Are your SQL Server generating dump files?

Category: Reliability
Item: SQL Server memory dumps

What are the SQL Server dump files?

They are memory dumps files generated when SQL hits a bug, or something “unexpected” happens.

The size and contents of which are dependent on the problem that occurred.

Note: Memory dump files may contain sensitive information.

Should you care about SQL Server dumps?

It’s equivalent to Windows bluescreening, so it isn’t typical behavior of SQL Server.

These files may be consuming a Lot of Disk Space too.

How can I find the dump files?

You can use the query below to list all  SQL Server dump files.

  1. SELECT *
  2. FROM sys.dm_server_memory_dumps
  3. ORDER BY creation_time DESC
Figure 1 -SQL Server Dump files.

How can I fix the issue?

  1. Patch your SQL Server, upgrade to the latest SP & CU.
  2. If the memory dumps continue and you are familiar with a debugger, you can try to understand the issue troubleshooting the files.
  3. If you’re not comfortable, open a support case with Microsoft. 

More information

Microsoft – Get Full Memory Dump.
Microsoft – sys.dm_server_memory_dumps.

Mark Varnas

Mark Varnas

I love making performance tuning SQL Servers fast and making them more stable. And I channel that obsession into our SQL Managed Services and new content here. When I'm not writing about SQL, I spend time outside hiking, skiing, mountain biking, or trying a new recipe.

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