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

This article provides help to solve an issue where Kernel memory dump files are generated on computers when physical memory is larger than the size of the page file.

Applies to:   Windows 10 - all editions, Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number:   949052

Note

Support for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) ends on July 12, 2011. To continue receiving security updates for Windows, make sure you're running Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 (SP2). For more information, see this Microsoft web page: Support is ending for some versions of Windows.

Important

This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure that you back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 322756 How to back up and restore the registry in Windows.

Symptoms

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.

Cause

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.

Workaround

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 writing of the memory dump files is 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, type regedit in the Start Search box, and then click regedit in the Programs list.

    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.

References

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:

307973 How to configure system failure and recovery options in Windows