.DMP File Type
File extension: DMP or .dmp
Author of the .dmp file extension: Used by Microsoft operating systems
Category: System file
Programs that use the .dmp file type: Various program can work with .dmp files including Microsoft Dumpflop utility, the Windows Debug Tools (windbg.exe), and Windows Kernel Debug (kd.exe).
Explanation of .dmp file extensions:
The .dmp file extension stands for Dump. DMP files represent data that has been "dumped" from a program's memory space. These files are often created after a program crashes or experiences an error. DMP files can also be saved by the program "Savedump.exe" during the first reboot after a computer crash. You will often see DMP files named: "Memory.dmp."
You can use Windows memory dump files for troubleshooting computer problems and system errors. However, .dmp files can take up a significant amount of disk space. In many cases, you can safely delete them.
Typical problems associated with the .dmp file extension:
One of the most common problems with .dmp files is that they take up a great deal of disk space and aren’t necessarily needed.
Another .DMP file concern involves a file named VETLOG.DMP. This file apparently is associated with an anti-virus application called eTrust Anti-Virus.
Solutions/Recommendations:
If your computer has crashed, you can troubleshoot the errors by looking at the .dmp files. Much of the information is going to be too technical for most computer users. See the Microsoft Knowledgebase article referenced below for more information on how to do this.
If you want to delete .dmp files to free up disk space, you can do so using the Disk Cleanup utility that comes built into your operating system. Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup. Click the Disk Cleanup button and then go to the Disk Cleanup tab. Scroll through the list until you find “System error memory dump files†and “System error minidump files.†Place a check mark in each of these boxes to clear these files from your disk.
If you have eTrust installed, contact eTrust’s support department for help if you notice VETLOG.DMP issues.
Associated links:
Checking DMP Files with Dumpchk.exe - http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=156280
eTrust Anti-Virus Support Page - http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/support/index.jsp?TYPE=33554433&REALMOID=06-d7a351fe-4c86-47b1-afa7-8cc2b65f7633&GUID=&SMAUTHREASON=0&METHOD=GET&SMAGENTNAME=ca_supportconnect_wa&TARGET=$SM$http%3a%2f%2fsupportconnect%2eca%2ecom%2fsc%2fsupport%2fIndex
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