By default, the Automatically restart check box is selected so that you can continue to use the computer if a critical stop error occurs. Microsoft Services starts during the startup process before you log on. Therefore, the computer is functional after it restarts. If the computer stops because of a critical stop error, you lose all functionality, including the remote access functionality. After the computer restarts, you can investigate the reason for the stop error.
The stop error message only displays information about the possible cause of the critical stop error. In most situations, the error is logged in the system log.
Configure Windows to perform the following actions if a severe error such as a stop error or fatal system error occurs:
Write an event to the system log.
Notify administrators.
Automatically restart the computer.
Dump system memory to a file that advanced users can use for debugging.
You must have at least a 2-megabyte (MB) paging file on the computer's boot volume if you want to configure the computer to either write an event to the system log or notify an administrator. If you configure Windows to create a dump file that contains the system memory data, you can use the dump file to debug the cause of the stop error.
To configure Windows to create a dump file, follow these steps:
Log on to the host computer as either an administrator or the owner.
Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
Under Pick a category, click Performance and Maintenance.
Under the or pick a Control Panel icon section, click System.
Click the Advanced tab, and then click Settings under Startup and Recovery.
Under Write Debugging Information, click one of the following entries:
Small Memory Dump: If you click this setting, the smallest amount of information that helps you identify the problem is recorded. This setting requires that you have at least 2 MB available for a paging file on the boot volume of your computer. If you click this setting, Windows creates a new file every time that the computer stops unexpectedly. A history of these files is stored in the folder that is listed in the Dump File box.
Kernel Memory Dump: If you click this setting, only kernel memory is recorded. This speeds up the process of recording information in a log when the computer stops unexpectedly. Depending on the random-access memory (RAM) in your computer, you must have 50 MB to 800 MB available for the paging file on the boot volume. The file is stored in the folder that is listed in the Dump File box.
Complete Memory Dump: If you click this setting, the contents of the system memory are recorded when the computer stops unexpectedly. If you use this setting, you must have a paging file on the boot volume that is sufficient to hold all of the physical RAM plus one MB. The file is stored in the folder that is listed in the Dump File box.
Windows always writes to the same file name. To save individual dump files, click to clear the Overwrite any existing file check box, and change the file name after each stop error.
To save memory, click to clear both the Write an event to the system log check box and the Send an administrative alert check box. The memory that is saved depends on the computer. Typically, these debugging features require about 60 kilobytes (KB) to 70 KB of RAM.
Note This is a "FAST PUBLISH" article created directly from within the Microsoft support organization. The information contained herein is provided as-is in response to emerging issues. As a result of the speed in making it available, the materials may include typographical errors and may be revised at any time without notice. See Terms of Use for other considerations.
APPLIES TO
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
