Understanding Windows logs and BSOD files (Blue Screen of Death) is important in the operating system troubleshooting process. Windows logs store important data regarding various events that occur in the system, including errors, installations, and application updates. By analyzing these logs, users can find issues that may not be visible directly and take necessary corrective actions.
Meanwhile, BSOD files store information about serious errors that cause the system to malfunction. The data in this file is invaluable for identifying the cause of the error and finding the right solution. Therefore, this article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on reading and analyzing Windows logs and BSOD files, so that users can troubleshoot more efficiently.
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Types of Windows Logs
Windows has different types of logs that are very important for the troubleshooting process. Here’s an explanation of each of these types of logs.
1. Text Log
Location: Folder Windows\Debug
Text logs are the easiest type of log to read, as they are stored in plain text format that can be accessed using a simple application like Notepad. These logs generally contain information related to auditing operations on the computer, such as the process of installing, uninstalling, or updating applications. In addition, the text logs also record details regarding the app’s crash, which can help diagnose the problem that occurred.
The characteristics of these logs vary depending on system activity. For example, logs that record errors from a particular app will only appear if the app crashes or malfunctions. One of the main advantages of text logs is the ease of access for general users without the need for special software. By opening a file in Notepad, users can instantly view the contents of the log and search for important information related to a specific event.
2. .xml and .etl logs
Location: Windows\Logs folder with organized subfolders
Logs stored in .xml and .etl formats have a more complicated structure compared to plain text logs. Within the WindowsLogs folder, these logs are grouped into subfolders based on their type and function, such as the SystemRestore or RecoveryDrive folders.
- .xml file: This file can be accessed using a web browser such as Edge or Chrome. This format is typically more organized and can store more detailed information about system activity, such as system restore logs or backups.
- File .etl (Event Trace Log): This file is used by Windows Event Viewer, a tool provided by Windows to monitor and analyze various events that occur on the system. If you want to open the .etl logs from another computer, you can use Event Viewer and select the “Open Saved Log” option. Inside Event Viewer, the opened logs will appear in the left panel in a section called “Saved Logs”. .etl files are often utilized by system administrators or technicians to understand various important events or errors in Windows systems in more depth.
3. File .dmp
Location: Folder Windows\MiniDump
.dmp files are records generated when a system experiences a serious failure, such as a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This file stores detailed information regarding the cause of the crash, including error codes and other details that are useful for analyzing the problem.
Unfortunately, .dmp files cannot be opened directly on Windows without the help of additional software. Here are some ways to open and read this file:
- Microsoft Visual Studio: If you have access to this device, you can use the Windows Driver Kit (WDK) or Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) to open and analyze .dmp files.
- BlueScreenView: This is a third-party tool that is easier for regular users to use. The app can be downloaded from the NirSoft website and automatically displays the contents of .dmp files from the MiniDump folder. With this tool, users can quickly find information such as Bug Check String and Bug Check Code, which can be used to search for solutions online or fix problems.
.dmp files often store important information about the main cause of the crash, including problematic drivers, hardware conflicts, or software errors. By using the given error codes, users can find out more about the problem they are facing and find the right solution.
Reading .dmp Files
When opening the .dmp file, there is some important information that can help in diagnosing the cause of the system error. The two main elements to look out for are:
Bug Check String
This is a descriptive text that indicates the type of error that caused the system to crash. This text usually gives a brief overview of the nature of the error, such as “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL”. This information provides an initial clue as to the problem that is causing the system to malfunction.
Bug Check Code
These are the standard Windows error codes displayed in hexadecimal format (0x000…). This code is more technical and specific to each type of error, so it can be used to search for more information online or in the Windows database to find a specific solution or cause of the problem.
An example of an error code is 0x000000d1, which relates to the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.
Finding Solutions Based on Error Codes
After obtaining the Bug Check String and Bug Check Code of the .dmp file, the next step is to find the right solution. This process involves several stages:
Conducting a Search on the Internet
Error codes such as 0x000000d1 can be searched directly on the internet. Many user communities, technical databases, and forums such as Microsoft Support or the engineering community discuss these various error codes and provide specific solutions to each problem. Generally, this search will provide information about common causes and steps that can be taken to address the issue.
Identifying Possible Causes
In many situations, the issues that cause BSOD are often related to incompatible, corrupted, or IRQ (Interrupt Request drivers). Although IRQ conflicts are rare in modern versions of Windows, incompatible driver issues are still common.
If Bug Check String indicates a driver-related issue, such as “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL”, then the user needs to check the drivers installed in the system and make sure that all of those drivers are up to date and compatible with the hardware used.