Solaris[TM] Operating System: How to Force a Kernel Core Dump on an x86 or x64 System (Doc ID 1003085.1)

Last updated on SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

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Goal

This document provides instructions on how to configure and initiate forced crash dumps (kernel core dumps) in x86 Solaris[TM]. This is usually performed in order to collect information for troubleshooting system hangs.

Two methods for generating a forced crash dump on Solaris x86 are covered:

• The Solaris kernel debugger $<systemdump command: available on any platform running Solaris x86.
• Using the Non Maskable Interrupt (NMI): available on many (but not all) platforms.

It is beyond the scope of this document to recommend when to enable or use either of these methods for forcing a crash dump - such direction would generally be provided by Oracle Customer Support, taking in to consideration your operating environment and specific troubleshooting requirements.

It is a pre-requisite that a suitable dump device is configured and available. For more information refer the the dumpadm(1M) and savecore(1M) man pages & documentation for your Operating System version.

Solution