Browse Definitions :
Definition

memory dump

What is a memory dump?

A memory dump is the process of taking all information content in RAM and writing it to a storage drive as a memory dump file (*.DMP format).

Why is a memory dump important and who uses it?

Developers commonly use memory dumps (also called core dumps) to gather diagnostic information at the time of a crash to help them troubleshoot issues and learn more about the Event. Information gathered from the memory dump can help developers fix errors in operating systems and other programs of all kinds.

From a forensic perspective, a memory dump, whether a mini-dump (portion of memory) or a complete memory dump, is invaluable as it provides data on the most recent state of the system and its activities before a system crash.

Overview of memory dump process and analysis
Diagram illustrating an overview of memory dump process and analysis.

Data from a memory dump can include details on memory contents and system states, which can be used to diagnose the immediate problem and possibly additional issues (e.g., security breaches or malware) that might have been unknown before the crash occurred. Typically, the system will be unavailable after a memory dump, but can return to operation after a restart.

Some computer errors are unrecoverable because they require a reboot to regain functionality, but the information stored in RAM at the time of a crash contains the code that produced the error. Memory dumps save data that might otherwise be lost to RAM's volatile nature or overwriting.

What is the blue screen of death?

One of the most disturbing events related to computer operations is a crash that results in the display of a blue screen with (hopefully) details on restarting the system. This is called the blue screen of death (BSOD) error display that is generated by Microsoft operating systems.

The errors display some basic suggestions, information and a faulting module while the percentage of the memory written to storage counts up. Following reboot, the memory dump can be sent to Microsoft for analysis to help the company fix the issue in updates and learn how their products are being used.

Image showing the blue screen of death (BSOD)
The blue screen of death (BSOD).

What risks can occur from memory dumps?

Because memory dumps can include anything in the computer's active RAM, some users have privacy concerns. Furthermore, because the dump files are stored on a drive, they might also present security risks.

If savvy hackers get their hands on a memory dump, they can potentially find cleartext passwords or decryption keys that normally would not be easily accessible. Operating systems from Microsoft and other vendors allow for memory dumps that contain less information, and some make it possible to turn off memory dumps.

Learn how to troubleshoot the most common issues with Windows 11.

This was last updated in February 2023

Continue Reading About memory dump

Networking
  • firewall as a service (FWaaS)

    Firewall as a service (FWaaS), also known as a cloud firewall, is a service that provides cloud-based network traffic analysis ...

  • private 5G

    Private 5G is a wireless network technology that delivers 5G cellular connectivity for private network use cases.

  • NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure)

    NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure) encompasses all of the networking hardware and software needed to support ...

Security
  • virus (computer virus)

    A computer virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a program or file. A virus can replicate and spread across an ...

  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

    Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is an advanced certification that indicates that an individual possesses the ...

  • cryptography

    Cryptography is a method of protecting information and communications using codes, so that only those for whom the information is...

CIO
  • B2B (business to business)

    B2B (business-to-business) is a type of commerce involving the exchange of products, services or information between businesses, ...

  • return on investment (ROI)

    Return on investment (ROI) is a crucial financial metric investors and businesses use to evaluate an investment's efficiency or ...

  • big data as a service (BDaaS)

    Big data as a service (BDaS) is the delivery of data platforms and tools by a cloud provider to help organizations process, ...

HRSoftware
  • talent acquisition

    Talent acquisition is the strategic process an organization uses to identify, recruit and hire the people it needs to achieve its...

  • human capital management (HCM)

    Human capital management (HCM) is a comprehensive set of practices and tools used for recruiting, managing and developing ...

  • Betterworks

    Betterworks is performance management software that helps workforces and organizations to improve manager effectiveness and ...

Customer Experience
  • martech (marketing technology)

    Martech (marketing technology) refers to the integration of software tools, platforms, and applications designed to streamline ...

  • transactional marketing

    Transactional marketing is a business strategy that focuses on single, point-of-sale transactions.

  • customer profiling

    Customer profiling is the detailed and systematic process of constructing a clear portrait of a company's ideal customer by ...

Close