How Can I Read a DMP File?

Your computer creates a .DMP file to help you, but you may not be able to open it.

Windows creates .DMP files after a program has crashed, or after the operating system itself crashes. These .DMP files contain information that you can use to find out what caused the program or the system to crash. However, depending on your Windows installation, it may not be clear exactly which program you require to open and read these generated files. No third-party software is required to read them, as Microsoft provides proprietary debugging tools you can use to analyze .DMP files.

Instructions

1. Download and install the Windows "Debug Tools." (See Resource)

2. Click "Start." Click "All Programs." Click "Debugging Tools for Windows." Click "WinDbg." This opens the Windows Debug Utility in its own window.

3. Click "File." Click "Open Crash Dump."

4. Navigate to the .DMP file you wish to read. Select that file. Click "Open." The utility opens the .DMP file for you to read.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a command line interface rather than a graphical interface for the debug utility if that is your preference. (See Resource)

References

• Code Project: Windows Debuggers: Part 1: A WinDbg Tutorial
• File Info: .DMP File Extension

Resources

• Microsoft Support: How to Read the Small Memory Dump Files that Windows Creates for Debugging