Kernel memory dump files may not be generated on Windows Server 2008-based and Windows Vista SP1 or later based computers when physical memory is larger than the size of the page file

Kernel memory dump files may not be generated on Windows Server 2008-based or Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1)-based computers.

You may also notice the following event is logged in the System event log:

Event ID: 49
Event Type: Error
Event Source: volmgr
Description: Configuring the Page file for crash dump failed. Make sure there is a page file on the boot partition and that is large enough to contain all physical memory.

This behavior occurs when more physical memory (RAM) is installed than the initial size that is set for the page file. If a STOP error occurs when the system is configured to generate a kernel or complete memory dump, no memory dump file will be generated.

To confirm how much physical memory is installed on the system, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, right click Computer and then click Properties.
2. Check the size displayed at Memory (RAM) entry of System section.

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 the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To work around this behavior, modify the registry so that writting of the memory dump files are attempted even if the physical memory size is larger than the initial size that is set for the page file. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start
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   , type regedit in the Start Search box, and then click regedit in the Programs list.
   
   
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   If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.
2. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\CrashControl
3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
4. Type IgnorePagefileSize, and then press ENTER.
5. Right-click IgnorePagefileSize, and then click Modify.
6. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
7. Exit Registry Editor.
8. Reboot the system for the change to take effect.

For more information about how to configure system failure and recovery options in earlier versions of Windows, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: