SQL Server Health Check

Is Your SQL Server Generating Dump Files?

Updated
1 min read
Written by
Mark Varnas

What is a dump file?

They are memory dumps files generated when SQL hits a bug, or something “unexpected” happens. This is the same as Windows OS bluescreening.

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

How can I find the dump files?

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

SELECT *
FROM sys.dm_server_memory_dumps
ORDER BY creation_time DESC

How can I fix the issue?

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

More information

Article by
Mark Varnas
Founder | CEO | SQL Veteran
Hey, I'm Mark, one of the guys behind Red9. I make a living performance tuning SQL Servers and making them more stable.

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