Get Heap Information From Full Dotnet Dumps

[Trips]

If you're unable to get heap information from full .NET dumps, here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

 

1. Use the Right Tools

• Ensure you are using the appropriate tools for analyzing .NET dumps, such as:
  • WinDbg: A powerful debugger that can handle .NET memory dumps.
  • dotnet-dump: A command-line tool specifically for .NET Core applications.
  • Visual Studio: It can open and analyze .NET memory dumps.

2. Load the Correct SOS Extension

• In WinDbg, make sure to load the SOS debugging extension properly:
  .loadby sos clr
• If you're using .NET Core, you might need to load the SOS extension differently:
  .load clrmd.dll

3. Check Dump Type

• Ensure you are working with a full memory dump. Mini dumps may not contain the necessary heap information.
• Use the command:
  !analyze -v
• This will give you a detailed analysis and confirm if it's a full dump.

4. Verify CLR Version

• Make sure you are using the correct version of the SOS extension that matches the CLR version of the dump. Use:
  !clrstack
• This can help verify the CLR version.

5. Use the Right Commands

• To get heap information, use:
  !dumpheap -stat
• This command provides statistics about the managed heap.

6. Investigate Possible Corruption

• If the dump file is corrupted, you may not be able to extract heap information. Try to capture a new dump if possible.

7. Check for Permissions

• Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to analyze the dump file. Run your tools as an administrator if needed.

8. Consult Documentation

• Refer to the official Microsoft documentation for more detailed instructions on using WinDbg or other tools with .NET dumps.

9. Community Support

• If issues persist, consider reaching out to community forums or support channels, such as Stack Overflow or the Microsoft Q&A platform, providing details about the issue for further assistance.

 

By following these steps, you should be able to gather heap information from your full .NET dumps

Edited November 13, 2024 by Trips