If a computer often encounters blue screen error messages, it is possible to use automatically created minidump files to determine the cause of the error.  However, minidump files are not self-explanatory and require a few steps to be able to make use of them.

Defining and Configuring Minidump Files

Every time a computer encounters an error that causes it to crash completely and display a blue screen error message–unaffectionately termed a “Blue Screen of Death” or BSOD–the computer creates a minidump file.

This is a record of what proceeded the crash.  These files contain just enough information to determine the cause of the crash, but they are small enough to be sent to technicians via the internet.

Most computers make minidump files automatically, but occasionally the settings for these files need to be checked.

• Under My Computer, click on Properties.
• In Windows XP, choose the Advanced tab.
• In Vista, choose the Advanced Systems option to the left of the screen.
• Go to Startup and Recovery.
• Click Settings.
• Locate the System Failure section.
• Make sure the first two options are checked, but make sure the last option (automatically restart) is unchecked (this allows the user to view the BSOD message).
• Restart the computer.

Reading Minidump Files

Next, download Windows debugging tools by doing a search for Windbg to find the right program.  Once the software is installed, open the software and browse the computer for the appropriate minidump file.

Usually the path to this file will be C:Windowsminidump , unless Windows is installed on another drive.  Minidump files are labled by date and in order of their occurence (mini092509-01.dmp would refer to the first error on 09-25-09).

Locate the correct file and open it using Windbg.  Scroll to the bottom of the error message to find the line “Probably caused by:” followed by a file name.  To fix this file, search online to find a replacement file, uninstall the problematic file, and install the new one.

Avoid the Hassle of Minidump Files with Registry Maintenance

Most BSOD messages are caused by registry errors.  The Windows registry stores data that pertains to user preferences, program and computer settings, and other information.  This is the backbone of the computer: an over-full registry causes errors in programs, as do faulty registry entries.  Resolve these issues quickly: learn how to bypass the minidump file and fix the errors with a registry cleaner.

Related posts:

1. How to Fix a Blue Screen Error
2. How To Fix The Blue Screen Of Death
3. How to Fix Blue Screen of Death Automatically
4. How to Get Rid of Blue Screen of Death
5. Blue Screen of Death Error Messages – How Do You Get Around Them?

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