Windows feature lets you generate a memory dump file by using the keyboard (244139)

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Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
By default, this feature is disabled. To enable this feature, modify the registry as indicated in this article, and then restart the computer. After you restart the computer, you can generate a Memory.dmp file by holding down the right CTRL key and pressing the SCROLL LOCK key two times. You must use the CTRL key on the right side of the spacebar.

Note The following steps do not work on legacy-free computers except computers that are running Windows Server 2003. For example, the following steps do not work on a computer that exclusively uses a USB keyboard. In Windows Server 2003, the Kbdhid.sys driver supports USB keyboards. However, this driver has a limitation that the i8042prt.sys driver does not have. When you use the Kbdhid.sys driver, the CTRL+SCROLL LOCK+SCROLL LOCK shortcut does not work if the computer stops responding at a high interrupt request level (IRQL). This limitation occurs because the Kbdhid.sys driver operates at a lower IRQL than the i8042prt.sys driver does. The i8042prt.sys driver is for the standard 101/102-key keyboard and the Microsoft Natural PS/2 keyboard.

For the computer to stop responding, the CTRL+SCROLL LOCK+SCROLL LOCK shortcut must be received and processed by the i8042prt.sys driver. These steps also do not work in a Virtual PC session that has VM Additions installed. If you uninstall VM Additions, this procedure works as expected. VM Additions replaces the standard driver with the Vpc_8042.sys driver. The Vpc_8042.sys driver is the driver for the VM Additions PC/AT Enhanced PS/2 keyboard [101/102-Key]. In a Virtual PC session that has VM Additions installed, you must attach a debugger.

To attach a debugger, follow these steps:

1. Start Registry Editor.
2. Locate the following registry subkey:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\i8042prt\Parameters

3. On the Edit menu, click Add Value, and then add the following registry entry:

   Name: CrashOnCtrlScroll
   Data Type: REG_DWORD
   Value: 1

4. Exit Registry Editor, and then restart the computer.

How to select memory dump file options

Three types of memory dump files can be generated. Choose one before you manually trigger the dump file. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Advanced tab, and then click the Startup and Recovery button.
3. Click Write Debugging Information, and then click to select either Complete Memory Dump, Kernel Memory Dump, or Small Memory Dump.

For more information about memory dump file options, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Note If the server has a feature such as the Automatic System Restart (ASR) feature that is found in some Compaq computers, disable the feature. It can interrupt the dump process. On a Compaq computer, you can disable the ASR feature by modifying the basic input/output system (BIOS) settings.

Note Complete memory dumps may not be available on a computer that has 2 or more gigabytes (GB) of RAM. To limit the memory that Windows 2000 can access, add the <MaxMem=2000> parameter to the Boot.ini file.

If you have installed the security update that is described in article 835732 in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, or you have installed a service pack that contains this security update, view the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article: For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Windows Server 2003 resolution

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows Server 2003 service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.PrerequisitesNo prerequisites are required.Restart requirementYou must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.Hotfix replacement informationThis hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.File information The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003, 32-bit versions

File name	File version	File size	Date	Time	Platform	SP requirement	Service branch
Kbdhid.sys	5.2.3790.493	16,896	28-Feb-2006	00:03	x86	None	RTMQFE
Kbdhid.sys	5.2.3790.2649	17,408	28-Feb-2006	03:11	x86	SP1	SP1QFE

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

File name	File version	File size	Date	Time	Platform
Kbdhid.sys	5.2.3790.2649	24,576	13-Apr-2006	15:59	x64

Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions

File name	File version	File size	Date	Time	Platform	SP requirement	Service branch
Kbdhid.sys	5.2.3790.493	47,104	13-Apr-2006	15:54	IA-64	None	RTMQFE
Kbdhid.sys	5.2.3790.2649	49,664	13-Apr-2006	15:59	IA-64	SP1	SP1QFE

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.