You can create a dump file in Windows Server 2012 using the System Configuration utility.
Steps to Create a Dump File:
- Open System Configuration: Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Navigate to Boot Tab: Click the Boot tab.
- Select Boot Options: Under Boot options, check the box next to "Write debugging information".
- Select Dump Type: From the dropdown menu, choose the desired dump type:
- Kernel memory dump: Captures the kernel memory and a small portion of user mode memory.
- Complete memory dump: Captures the entire physical memory, including kernel and user mode memory.
- Small memory dump: Captures only the system information and the most recent error information.
- Specify Dump Location: Click "Browse..." to choose the location where you want to save the dump file.
- Apply Changes: Click "Apply" and then "OK".
- Restart Server: Restart your server for the changes to take effect.
Creating a Dump File During a System Crash:
If your server crashes unexpectedly, you can create a dump file by configuring Automatic Memory Dump. This feature automatically creates a dump file when a system crash occurs.
To enable Automatic Memory Dump:
- Open System Properties: Right-click "My Computer" and select "Properties".
- Navigate to Advanced System Settings: Click "Advanced system settings".
- Select Advanced Tab: Click the "Advanced" tab.
- Click "Settings" under Startup and Recovery: Click "Settings" under the "Startup and Recovery" section.
- Choose Dump Type: Under "System failure", select the desired dump type from the "Write debugging information" dropdown menu.
- Specify Dump Location: Click "Browse..." to choose the location where you want to save the dump file.
- Apply Changes: Click "OK" on all open windows to apply the changes.
Tips for Creating Dump Files:
- Disk Space: Ensure you have sufficient disk space to accommodate the dump file size.
- File Location: Choose a location where you can easily access the dump file.
- File Name: Use a descriptive file name to easily identify the dump file.
By following these steps, you can successfully create a dump file in Windows Server 2012, which will assist you in troubleshooting system issues and identifying the root cause of crashes.