Crash Reports - Read

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    Crash Reports - Read

    Crash Reports - Read

    How to Read Crash Reports
    Published by
    Designer Media Ltd


    How to Read Crash Reports

       Information
    When your system crashes and you're hit with a BSOD (the blue screen with white text), it's for a purpose. Something either software or hardware related has gone wrong in your system, and it's your job to go get to the bottom of it.

       Warning
    This tutorial requires changing a setting that tells the computer to save your dump files, if it hasn't been doing so already. Do not mess with any other options if you don't know what you're doing, as there's the potential for making another problem.


    First, we want to make sure the computer is saving your dump files. Go to Control Panel -> System -> Advanced System Settings -> Startup and Recovery [Settings] Make sure that "Write Debugging Information" is set to Small Memory Dump (256kb) if it is not already.
    Next, make sure that the folder C:\Windows\Minidump exists. If not, create it (allow permission if asked). Make sure any dumps you want to analyze, whether yours or others', are in this folder. You can ZIP/RAR the files and send them to someone else to analyze as well.


    Download and install WhoCrashed. When the installer is done installing, just uncheck the box to launch, because it will give you an error that Admin privileged is required. Run from Desktop or Start Menu, and click "Analyze".

    Now you should be able to view your dump files and get a good idea of what's giving your system problems. If you are still unsure after viewing your dumps, ZIP/RAR and upload them to a thread, briefly describing what the issue is and any other information you deem helpful.


       Note
    Just as WhoCrashed will tell you at the end of your report, you're given a general picture of what's causing the problem. The report may or may not pinpoint the exact culprit(s), but will help you to further your troubleshooting. Again, feel free to ask around if you're unsure



  1. Posts : 8,476
    Windows® 8 Pro (64-bit)
       #1

    Nice work. :)
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,083
    Windows 7 Enterprise 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Thanks :) I should note that this will give you a general idea of what's wrong, and not necessarily target the specific culprit.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
       #3

    Nice tutorial, good job.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,362
    Win7 H.Prem. 32bit+SP1
       #4

    Could you update this to the latest 'WhoCrashed' version. Please
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #5

    Hello George,

    Fred hasn't been online for 2 weeks now, but if you post back with what needs to be updated (ex: screenshots or whatever), I'll be happy to update the tutorial with it. :)
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 2,362
    Win7 H.Prem. 32bit+SP1
       #6

    Hi Shawn,
    the part in red is not required now.
    Download and install WhoCrashed. When the installer is done installing, just uncheck the box to launch, because it will give you an error that Admin privileged is required. Run from Desktop or Start Menu, and click "Analyze". A window will pop up asking you if you need to download Windows Debugging Package (WinDbg). Click Yes.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #7

    Thank you George. Updated. :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #8

    Hello am still fairly new to this stuff and from looking at this tutorial I am guessing it is for ?personal use or can we import dump files from those posted in a thread?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #9

    You can, but you already have a better tool installed John.

    This will not give you all the info that Windbg does.
      My Computer


 
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