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Microsoft

Troubleshoot BSOD errors with a Windows Vista Dump file

By Bill Detwiler July 21, 2006, 2:10 AM PDT Bill Detwiler on Twitter billdetwiler

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Troubleshoot BSOD errors with a Windows Vista Dump file

Step 1. Open Task Manager

Step 1. Open Task Manager

Here is a nice feature that I found when poking around Windows Vista. In Windows Vista, you can create dump files that are stored in the Temp directory.

Dump files are really useful when you need to troubleshoot BSOD, application crashes, freezing, and any problem a Windows box maybe exhibiting.

Here are the steps to create a dump file in Windows Vista.

Submitted by Steven Warrren

Troubleshoot BSOD errors with a Windows Vista Dump file

Step 2. Right-click on applicable process and select Create Dump

Step 2. Right-click on applicable process and select Create Dump

Select Create Dump from the drop down menu.

Troubleshoot BSOD errors with a Windows Vista Dump file

Step 4. Wait while the Dump file is created

Step 4. Wait while the Dump file is created

The file is created in a few moments.

Troubleshoot BSOD errors with a Windows Vista Dump file

Step 5. Click OK

Step 5. Click OK

By default, the Dump file is placed in C:\Users\AppData\Local\Temp and given the name of the associated process. For example, the file created here is called explorer.DMP.

Troubleshoot BSOD errors with a Windows Vista Dump file

Step 6. Open the Dump file

Step 6. Open the Dump file

You can now open the Dump file in an applicable debugger tool.

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By Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show.
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