How to Install Symbols For Dr. Watson Error Debugging

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.51 and 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51 and 4.0

SUMMARY

When the following Dr. Watson application error occurs, make sure that the Windows NT symbols are loaded for debug operation.

Dr. Watson Application Error:

   An application error has occurred and an application error log
   is being generated.

   DRWTSN32.exe
   Exception: access violation <Hex value>, Address: <Hex address>

MORE INFORMATION

If the debug information in the Dr. Watson log displays "no symbols," then the symbol tree from the Windows NT compact disc has not been loaded to the %SystemRoot% directory. In this case, the interpretation of the Dr. Watson log is going to be difficult.

If you want to interpret the Dr. Watson log, load the Windows NT symbols to your %SystemRoot% directory. To load the symbol tree:

Windows NT 4.0

1. Run Expndsym.exe from the \Support\Debug directory at a command prompt by typing the following command:

         Expndsym F: C:\Winnt
   

         where \WINNT is the %SystemRoot% where Windows NT is installed
   

   This will create a C:\%SystemRoot%\SYMBOLS directory structure and place the *.DBG files in the appropriate sub-directory (Dll, Exe, etc.)

2. Symbols must also be installed for any Service Packs and hotfixes. Follow the appropriate step below for the Service Pack currently installed on the system.

   Service Pack on CD-ROM ----------------------

   Use Explorer or a command prompt to copy the Symbols directory and its contents from the CD-ROM \Support\Debug\<platform> directory, where <platform> is one of the following: I386, Alpha, MIPS, PPC, to the %SystemRoot% directory. For example, to copy the symbols for the Intel platform, type the following command:

         Xcopy E:\Support\Debug\I386\Symbols\*.* C:\Winnt\Symbols /S
   

   Service Pack from Internet --------------------------

   If you downloaded the Service Pack from the FTP or WWW site, you will also need to download the symbol files and follow the appropriate step below for the Service Pack currently installed on your system:

   SP1 or SP2: Type the following command at a command prompt:

              Sym_400i.exe -d C:\Winnt\Symbols
   
      SP3: Type the following at a command prompt and enter the path to the
           Symbols directory (i.e., C:\Winnt\Symbols) when prompted.
   
              Nt4sym3i.exe
   
   

Windows NT 3.51

1. Locate the \Support\Debug\<platform>\symbols directory on the Windows NT compact disc. The <platform> is one of the following: i386, ALPHA, MIPS or PPC.

2. Copy the Symbols directory and its contents to the %SystemRoot% directory.

3. If you have a Service Pack installed, copy the contents of the Service Pack Symbols directory to the %SystemRoot%\Symbols directory.