Computer 'Debug Dump Files'?

Question

When I'm cleaning up unwanted stuff on my computer, I see 'Debug Dump Files' which is always very large! Can I get rid of these files, or do I need these on my Computer?

Answer 1

you don't need them, they are the data dump files from errors and issues with your software and hardware. Everytime a piece of software fails, or hardware crashes out or stalls then a dump of the failure data is recorded, all you get to see is the message "do you want to send the details to Microsoft" type message, this is the data it will send. You can safely delete these.

Perhaps what is more worrying is that you suggest these are always very large, that implies that they are created often which of course is not good, as it means something is failing often enough to make larger dump files. This is something you may want to look at correcting.

Answer 2

They are files that are created by windows when your system stops responding containing a bit of information and error codes on what cause the failure and are only really looked at by technicians who are trying to solve a problem.



So yes, they're fine to delete through system clean up and shouldn't damage your computer.





If you want to see where they come from Control Panel ► Administrative Tools.



In there you'll see several folders like Event Viewer which keep a log of everything that goes on.

Answer 3

normally these files are safe to dispose of.



There are only VERY rare circumstances in which you might choose to keep them.