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.dmp

Crash or memory dump

Generic / Ambiguous Data

DMP usually denotes dump data requiring a debugger appropriate to its producer. For Windows crashes, use WinDbg and check symbols, interpretation limits and potentially sensitive memory contents.

Main use
Analyzing crashes or memory state
Data type
Multiple uses; identify the producer
All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai

Example: a practical checking sequence

Example: include crash time, versions and preceding actions with a Windows dump. Check symbols for WinDbg and avoid blaming a named driver from one result alone. Dumps may contain private memory, so use an approved support channel instead of public posting.

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

Inspect Windows crashes with WinDbg

Distinguish Windows dumps from proprietary formats.

  1. Identify producer, time and crashed environment.
  2. Open a copy with WinDbg’s dump-opening workflow.
  3. Check symbols, analyze and record error codes and context.
Prepare a support handoff

Dumps may contain memory not visible on screen.

  1. Ask support which dump type is required.
  2. Include time, app version and reproduction steps.
  3. Use an approved secure transfer channel.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

  • Garbled text: use a debugger rather than a text editor.
  • Missing symbols: check matching versions and official symbol sources.
  • A driver is named: this is not definitive proof; compare surrounding evidence.
  • Proprietary dump failure: ask the producer about format and tools.
  • Sharing restrictions: inspect data sensitivity and policy.

DMP → an analysis record

  1. Analyze a copy with the appropriate tool.
  2. Record error code, time, versions and relevant logs.
  3. Review sensitive content in reports and store the original securely.

Renaming is not analysis; a summary may not replace data needed for later debugging.

Symbols and analysis

Symbols make locations and names interpretable; missing or mismatched versions affect analysis.

Source for these steps：Microsoft · Analyze a kernel-mode dump with WinDbg

Keep memory dumps private

Depending on type, dumps can contain document content, credentials or personal data. Avoid public posting and use appropriate support channels.

  • Confirm necessary dump type and scope.
  • Distinguish clues from definitive causes.
  • Check storage and transfer permissions.

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / purposeUse and preserved information
DMPState data for debugging.
LOGOperational log.
TXTText report of interpreted results.

Handling and security

Avoid unknown online analyzers; use trusted debugging tools and appropriate retention/access controls.

Questions and answers

Is DMP an ordinary document?

It is debugging state data.

Does WinDbg read every DMP?

No; producer-specific formats differ.

Is the named driver definitely responsible?

Do not conclude from one analysis result alone.

Can I post it publicly?

It may contain sensitive memory; avoid public exposure.

What should I record first?

Producer, time, OS/app version and reproduction conditions.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
Formal name
Crash / Memory Dump
Steward / specification
Microsoft / application-specific
MIME type
Check the producer or implementation; do not assume a single universal MIME value.

Primary and official sources