The “Dump File Creation Failed” error in Windows typically occurs when the operating system encounters a critical system error, commonly referred to as a “blue screen” or “BSOD” (Blue Screen of Death), and is unable to create a memory dump file to diagnose the issue. Memory dump files are essential for troubleshooting BSOD errors, as they contain information about the state of the system at the time of the crash. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and fix this issue:
- Check Available Disk Space:
- Ensure that your system has enough free disk space to create the memory dump file. If your disk is full or nearing capacity, Windows may fail to create the dump file. Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files or moving them to an external storage device.
- Check System Settings:
Verify that your system settings are configured to create memory dump files when a BSOD occurs. To check this:- Right-click on “This PC” or “My Computer” and select “Properties.”
- Click on “Advanced system settings” on the left-hand side.
- Under the “Startup and Recovery” section, click on “Settings.”
- Ensure that the “Write debugging information” dropdown menu is set to “Automatic memory dump” or “Kernel memory dump.”
- Make sure the “Automatically restart” option is unchecked, so you can see the error message on the BSOD screen.
- Check Virtual Memory Settings:
Memory dump files require virtual memory (paging file) to be available on your system drive. Ensure that virtual memory is properly configured:- Open the Control Panel and go to “System and Security” > “System” > “Advanced system settings.”
- Under the “Performance” section, click on “Settings.”
- Go to the “Advanced” tab and click on “Change” under the “Virtual memory” section.
- Ensure that “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” is selected. Alternatively, you can manually set the paging file size.
- Click “OK” to save the changes and restart your computer.
- Update Device Drivers:
Outdated or incompatible device drivers can cause BSOD errors and prevent dump file creation. Update your device drivers to the latest versions:- Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
- Expand the categories and right-click on each device. Select “Update driver” and follow the on-screen instructions to update the drivers.
- Alternatively, you can download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website and install them manually.
- Check for System File Corruption:
Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan for and repair corrupted system files:- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- Allow the scan to complete. If SFC detects any corrupted files, it will attempt to repair them automatically.
- Check for Malware:
- Malware infections can also cause BSOD errors and prevent dump file creation. Perform a full system scan using your antivirus software to detect and remove any malware or malicious software.
- Check Hardware Components:
- Faulty hardware components such as RAM or hard drives can lead to BSOD errors. Run hardware diagnostics to check for hardware issues and replace any faulty components if necessary.
- Check Event Viewer Logs:
- If you’re unable to create dump files even after trying the above steps, check the Event Viewer logs for more information about the BSOD errors. Look for critical or error events related to the crashes and use the information to troubleshoot further.
If you’re still unable to resolve the “Dump File Creation Failed” error after following these steps, consider seeking assistance from a professional technician or contacting Microsoft Support for further guidance.