How to open DMP files in Windows 10 [EASY STEPS]
- .dmp extension is associated with dump files which are automatically created files when errors and crashes occur in the system.
- Viewing them can provide useful information in order to fix the underlying issue.
- Third-party software such as WhoCrashed or BlueScreenView is recommended.
- Debugging Tools for Windows also include a DMP file viewer, so you might want to check that out.
There’s a large portion of Windows system files that are not as easily accessed as some others. One of those Windows-exclusive extensions is known as DMP (.dmp) or Windows Memory Dump files.
Today, we made sure to explain the value of these files and, what is most important, the means to open them in Windows 10. If you want to access the DMP file in Windows 10, but you’re not sure how to, make sure to continue reading.
How can I access DMP files in Windows 10?
What DMP file extension stands for?
Windows Memory Dump files with the .dmp extension are system files stored in a binary format. If there’s an error or sudden crash of the third-party program or even system feature, these files are automatically created.
They store the details about the crash, so most of the seasoned users will utilize .dmp files to troubleshoot the affected programs.
If there’s a, say, BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), the details about the possible causes (drivers or other software are usual suspects) are to be found in the automatically-generated .dmp file.
Blue Screen of Death seems scary? Fix any BSOD errors with these amazing tools!
For obvious reasons, they are mostly named Memory.dmp or Crash.dmp, respectively. Size-wise, they might be small individually.
However, as they tend to pile up over time, DMP files can take a lot of storage space when bundled. So, you can clean them up with ease with the Disk Cleanup utility.
How to open DMP files in Windows 10?
Now, opening these files isn’t exactly simple as Windows 10 doesn’t offer a built-in tool. There’s a good reason for this as rarely a common user will want to access them in the first place.
However, there are a few third-party utility tools that should enable you to open and read DMP files. They might look outdated, but in this case, we prioritize efficiency over looks.
The first application is WhoCrashed, a dump file analyzer. This tool requires installation, but it’s fairly usable and has all the features you’ll need. You can even simulate the system crash (do this with caution) with certain parameters.
The second application is BlueScreenView. An oldtimer that supports every Windows iteration to date. You should have an easy time using it.
It is a portable small-sized application so it doesn’t require installation. Once you get it, just extract it and run the EXE file. However, we’re rushing. Firstly, you need to let the system create the dump files readable by the third-party software.
Bonus: DMP file viewers
As mentioned, Windows keeps tabs on the dump files your system creates and stores them all in a default location. This is generally %SystemRoot%memory.dmp.
Now, you can also find minidump files which are basically small-sized memory dump files that reside in the same location, but under the Minidump folder: %SystemRoot%\Minidump folder.
The latest Windows packages are equipped with debugging tools that often include a DMP file viewer. The most popular ones are WinDbg.exe (the Windows Debugger), KD.exe, CDB, and NTSD and they are also part of the WDK (Windows Driver Kit).
Here’s how to open a DMP file with WinDbg.exe:
- Download and install WDK from the Microsoft official page (When doing so, you can also choose to install only Debugging Tools for Windows as a standalone package).
- If it’s already installed, simply type WinDbg in the search bar and open it with admin rights.
- Next, open the File menu and press Start debugging.
- Finally, select Open Dump file and go to the desired location (most likely the one indicated above).
If you’re interested in how to delete system error memory dump files in Windows 10, check out this awesome guide. Also, if you want to fix a corrupted memory dump effectively, follow the simple steps from this useful guide.
- Is it safe to delete system memory dump files?
Yes, deleting these files will have no negative effect on your computer. They are mainly used for debugging purposes. You might want to keep them in case of errors or bugs. They will provide information as to who is responsible for a crash or an error message.
That should do it. In case you have alternative ways to open and read DMP files, make sure to tell us in the comment section below. We’ll be glad to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Windows Memory Dump files with the “.dmp” extension are system files stored in a binary format. If there’s an error or sudden crash of the third-party program or even system feature, these files are automatically created.
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there are a few third-party utility tools which should enable you to open and read DMP files
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C:Windowsmemory.dmp
is the default location. Or as a general rule in %SystemRoot%memory.dmp if you have a custom install. You can also find minidumps in the Minidump folder in the same place.
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Yes, deleting these files will have no negative effect on your computer. They are mainly used for debugging purposes. You might want to keep them in case of errors or bugs. They will provide information as to who is responsible for a crash or an error message.
