Courtesy of an article published by Tom’s Hardware, we now know that we can figure out the origins of the Windows crash by just reviewing the minidump log file.
First of all, let us know what do we actually mean by the term(BSOD).
It is an abbreviation of a cool-sounding software error called “Blue Screen of Death.” Well, first of all, you should know that it is actually a term. No user has made it up. Now, having said that, you should also know that it can happen anytime whether you are playing Fifa on your laptop, or listening to songs, or even watching a movie. The BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) can appear anytime on your screen, notifying that your Windows operating system cannot function anymore. It is not good news for you because it can mean losing your valuable time or losing out on data that does not get saved on a hard drive on time.
Another thing that is very irksome about BSOD is the fact that it can be generated from a variety of issues, and it is difficult for a user to pinpoint an exact specific cause. BSOD can occur because of faulty hardware, driver error, or even a problem in the memory part of your system. Nevertheless, there is a possibility to diagnose or fix the BSOD issues by using the minidump log.
What is a Minidump File, and Why Do We Need it?
First of all, let us get the formality of basics done and settled. In the preceding and older versions of Windows Operating System, the BSOD screen used to appear with some error codes, which used to give some idea to an individual having common knowledge of computers. However, nowadays, the BSOD screen automatically emerges on your screen when there is a crash. It also displays a QR code you can utilize on your cellular device, or a stop code, which you can store somewhere and research it later on.
And it does not solve the problem. The code sends you to the Microsoft official website containing a whole list of error codes along with their meanings.
You can troubleshoot this issue by programming Windows to store a file pertaining to all the information and solutions methods regarding the BSOD error. And, this is the file that programmers term as a minidump file. Even if you haven’t faced BSOD error yet, it is beneficial to review the following procedures for future references. Otherwise, you would look for a log when the crash happens, but you wouldn’t find it. You can bookmark this page for future review and reference as well.
In the commencing step, head towards the Control Panel and then move inside the “System Properties.” If you require a hotkey for this purpose, you can try using the command “sysdm.cpl” after opening the Windows search window.
Now, look towards the option titled “Advanced.” Tap on it.
Select the option “System Startup.”
Now, you need to tick on the following controls, which will appear on your screen. The controls are as follows: “Automatically restart,” “Write an event to the system log,” and “Writing debugging information.” While selecting the last option, click on the scroll-down menu and select the option “Small memory dump (256 KB).”
Click on the “Ok” button to finish offloading the minidump file to your windows.
Now, once you follow the above-written procedures and enable the specified options, then the minidump will be generated under the small directory address-“%SystemRoot%\Minidump.” If you find it necessary, you can customize the directory address.
Conclusion
The BSOD is a major problem, which affects your working progress and resists your leisure activities temporarily, if not permanently. The cause of this error can be anything ranging from hardware fault to a major memory issue. You can use a minidump file to at least have some information on what went wrong when the error occurs. You can utilize the procedures specified above to load the minidump file into your Windows.
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