Crash Dump - What is this?

Question

I have recently purchased a Inspiron 1520 - its fantastic, but in the 2 weeks i;ve had it, it has gone to a blue screen and says its doing a crash dump. I usually lose whatever i'm doing at the time too.   What is this? I'm usually only browsing the internet   Could i have a problem with my laptop?

lillyloo · Answer

I will do so later on, i'm not actually on the machine right now (at work) so i'll take a look and post later.  Do you think this is something that Dell should be able to help me with?

davejohn · Answer

Yes, that indicates a problem.  The memory dump gives information on what caused the crash.   Post the error code and that will give some indication what the problem is.

nugundam93 · Answer

BSODs are either caused by software or hardware failures.  Try to run diagnostics first to rule out any hardware problems.   To run the diagnostics, turn the computer off first, then hold down the function (Fn) key when you try to turn the system back on - it should start up your computer's diagnostics.  Take note of all error messages it would encounter so that when you call Tech Support, they'll know what to do.   hth.  :)

lillyloo · Answer

I ran a full diagnostic which was all clear, then contacted Dell and they asked me to do it again (same result obviously). They now believe it may be a software issue, which apparently will cost me!!!! I'm amazed, i only bought this laptop 2 weeks ago, i have barely used it, and now i'm supposed to pay.   I'm waiting for a call back... right now i'm well narked! :smileysad:   Any suggestions? What could this be?

nugundam93 · Answer

hi,   was it only the PSA (preboot system assessment) diagnostics that you ran?  if you have the time, try to run the full/extended diagnostics as well after running the PSA - this can help spot deeper errors than the PSA.  that takes about 2-3 hours though.   if it's still all clear, you could try running system restore back to when your system was not having the BSOD.    sorry i also forgot to ask, did you install anything on your system before the problem happened?  if so, you could try to take it off and see if the BSOD goes away - if it does, that's the culprit then.   hth.  :robothappy:

Achilles11 · Answer

Hi,

I have had the same problems two weeks after I purchased my 1521. I have now had my laptop a little over a year and I am getting the "crash dump" often. I have spent days/hours on the phone with Dell support running diagnostics and doing everything there is to be done with no success. I even had a tech support man show up to install a refurbished hard drive-no luck. C:\minidump\minidump .dmp is there anyway to fix this??? I don't download anything and this 'dumps' when I am trying to take a test for school and it's seriously affecting my education. I can't resart or retake tests once I begin so when it dumps, I fail my test or quiz. I go to online school and it's the only reason I got this laptop in the first place. Because Dell's policy for replacement ends after day 7 of your purchase I can't get any help. I am So frustrated with them!!!

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Crash Dump - What is this?

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