me1212
join:2008-11-20
Pleasant Hill, MO | [WIN7] How do I use windows crash dump files to figure out what is wrong with my computer? My pc has been BSODing lately(full story »What could be causing random blue screens?) short story:
>started BSODing sunday
>saturday I tried overclocking ram and installing updates, but internet cut out and updates failed(I deleted all the un installed updates from the download folder)
>I assumed it was the ram so I put it back to stock
>monday another BSOD
>wasnt on much tuesday
>yesterday another BSOD
I found the crash dump files but dont know how to use them to figure out the problem, help? |
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 FreddyPremium
join:2005-05-17
Arlington, VA | Use the following utility to view blue screen dump files:
»www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html
Freddy |
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 Wily_OnePremium
join:2002-11-24
San Jose, CA | reply to me1212
For the short-and-simple "point me in the right direction" answer, after the next crash open the most recent C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER\ReportQueue\Kernel_0_0_cab_XXXXXXXX folder and read the last line of Report.wer file. It may indicate what was the general cause of the crash.
e.g.
quote:
ReportDescription=A problem with your video hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.
While the above says hardware, what it really means is a problem with the video driver. (In this case.) |
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me1212
join:2008-11-20
Pleasant Hill, MO | reply to Freddy
Thanks for the link man! Anyway I took a look at the dump files, looks like all 3 recent ones were caused by ntoskrnl.exe. I did some googleing and it said that meant memory errors. does that mean my ram is jacked? |
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FreddyPremium
join:2005-05-17
Arlington, VA
1 edit | I'd also conclude that a good place to start is to check memory (RAM). Look under the column titled "Bug Check String" and notice the words "MEMORY MANAGEMENT."
Just use the Windows 7 built-in memory checker. If that utility tells you that you have memory errors, there's no need to download and use any other memory checker.
If Win7 built-in checker doesn't find anything, you may want to consider using something else just to make sure. You can find a free memory checker by using google to find one on the Internet to download. I think there's a checker called "memtest86" or some such name that gets good reviews. Let us know what you find.
Freddy
Edit: Windows 7 built-in RAM tester: Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools > Windows Memory Diagnostic. |
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me1212
join:2008-11-20
Pleasant Hill, MO | I've got a memtest disk laying around somewhere, would it be a better idea to just use that and forgo the built in checker? |
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FreddyPremium
join:2005-05-17
Arlington, VA | You can check memory by either method. The Windows tool is faster and can get to the bottom line easier. Up to you.
Freddy |
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me1212
join:2008-11-20
Pleasant Hill, MO | In that case I will go with windows checker first and if need be mem test afterwards. Hopefully thats all it is, I need to go to microcenter to get two fans for a dual set up on my radiator anyway and this would be a good excuse.
EDIT: for clarity. |
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me1212
join:2008-11-20
Pleasant Hill, MO | reply to Freddy
yeah the windows diagnostic test said there was a hardware problem with the memory. Welp guess I have to go to microcenter tomorrow. |
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Wily_OnePremium
join:2002-11-24
San Jose, CA | Memtest86+
»www.memtest.org/#downiso |
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me1212
join:2008-11-20
Pleasant Hill, MO | reply to me1212
Welp got some new ram, hopefully this fixes everything. My pc does seem to be running a LOT faster with the new stuff in it. |
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