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        A Quick Tip To Create A Kernel Memory Dump File Manually

Section(s): Admin , Admin
Published on Jun 24, 2009.
Last Modified on Feb 28, 2009.
Last Modified by Nirmal Sharma.
Rating: Not Rated

This article explains how you can create a Kernel Memory dump file for diagnostic purpose.

Sometimes you might need to generate a Kernel Memory dump file to troubleshoot the issues related to Kernel Mode components. There are three methods you can use to do so as described below:

Crash.exe
CrashOnCTRLScroll
NMI (NMICrashDump)

The Crash.exe is available in both command line and GUI version.

To use CrashOnCTRLScroll, you need to create a registry entry at the following location in the registry:

KEY Name: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\i8042prt\Parameters
Entry Name: CrashOnCTRLScroll
Type: DWORD
Value: 1(enabled), 0(disabled)

You need to restart the server for changes to take effect. After you have restarted the server, use the "CTRL+Scroll Lock Scroll Lock" to crash the server. A memory dump file will be generated at the default location on system drive.

To use the third method (NMI), you need to make sure that your server support the Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI) capabilities. To use this method you need to create a registry entry at the following location and then press a switch located on the server to crash and generate a Kernel Memory dump file:

KEY Name: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CrashControl
Entry Name: NMICrashDump
Type: DWORD
Value: 1

About Nirmal Sharma

Nirmal is a Microsoft MVP in Directory Services and working as a Technical Architect/Consultant. He has been involved in Microsoft Technologies since 1994 and followed the progression of Microsoft Operating Systems and software. He is specialized in Directory Services, Microsoft Clustering, SQL, MOM, Exchange and Citrix. In his spare time, he likes to help others and write "internal" technical articles, white papers and tips on various Microsoft technologies. You can contact him at nirmal_sharma@mvps.org.