The provided documentation details aspects of analyzing Windows system crash dump files, specifically focusing on errors like DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION, and offers troubleshooting steps for performance issues, particularly within gaming contexts. The data consists of a crash dump analysis log and user forum posts detailing solutions for game performance problems and system instability. The information centers around identifying the source of system errors and implementing corrective measures, including system restores, driver updates, and game file verification.
Understanding Crash Dump Files
The initial data provided is a crash dump file analysis, indicated by the presence of debugging information and stack traces. The log identifies a DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error (133), occurring on a system with a 12th generation Intel Core i7 processor (12700H). This error suggests a Deferred Procedure Call (DPC) routine took too long to complete, potentially indicating a driver issue or hardware conflict.
The crash dump analysis includes a detailed stack trace, listing function calls within the Windows kernel (nt!) and a driver named gwdrv.sys. The stack trace shows a progression of function calls, starting with nt!MiComputePxeWalkAction+0x1b and extending through various memory management functions like nt!MiWalkPageTablesRecursively, nt!MiWalkPageTables, and nt!MiDeleteSystemPageTables. These functions are related to virtual memory management and page table operations. The presence of gwdrv.sys in the stack suggests this driver may be involved in the crash. However, without further information about the function of gwdrv.sys, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of the error.
The log also includes kernel version information (Windows 10, build 22000) and system uptime. The BLACKBOXBSD, BLACKBOXNTFS, and BLACKBOXWINLOGON tags indicate that these subsystems were active during the crash. The CUSTOMER_CRASH_COUNT being 1 suggests this is the first recorded instance of this specific crash.
Troubleshooting Game Performance Issues
The forum posts address performance issues encountered while gaming, specifically after changes related to the Xbox PC app. Users report experiencing extremely low frame rates (1 FPS) in games. Several troubleshooting steps are suggested, categorized for clarity.
Initial Steps and System Restore
The first recommendation is to uninstall and reinstall the affected game through the Microsoft Store Hub. A system restart is also advised before reinstalling. System Restore is presented as a primary defense, allowing users to revert their system to a previous state before the issues began. Users are directed to a tutorial for guidance on using System Restore.
Windows Updates and Driver Updates
The documentation emphasizes the importance of keeping Windows and device drivers up to date. Users are instructed to check for installed Windows Updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History and uninstall any recently installed updates if they suspect they are causing the problem. The Hide Updates tool is mentioned as a method to prevent problematic updates from being automatically installed in the future.
Furthermore, users are advised to update all drivers, including BIOS/UEFI firmware, chipset drivers, display (video) drivers, sound drivers, USB3 drivers, Bluetooth drivers, and network drivers. The documentation stresses the importance of using the full model number or serial number of the PC or motherboard when downloading drivers from the manufacturer's support website. Device Manager is recommended for comparing installed driver versions with the latest available versions.
Game-Specific Troubleshooting
Several game-specific troubleshooting steps are outlined:
- Check for Game Updates: Users should check for updates within the Microsoft Store Hub.
- Run Microsoft Store Apps Troubleshooter: The built-in troubleshooter can identify and resolve common issues with Microsoft Store apps.
- Reset or Repair Game: Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > [Game Name] > Advanced Options provides options to reset or repair the game files.
- Reinstall Game: If other steps fail, uninstalling and reinstalling the game from the Microsoft Store Hub is recommended.
Additional Considerations
The forum posts also mention the importance of ensuring the user is signed into the game and Microsoft Store with their profile to save game progress. A link to external resources offering additional fixes for improving game FPS in Windows 10 is provided, with a caution to avoid potentially unwanted software advertised on those sites (specifically mentioning Restoro, PC Repair Tool, and Reimage).
Analyzing the Information and Potential Conflicts
The documentation highlights a potential conflict between the Xbox PC app and game performance. The suggested solutions focus on restoring system stability and ensuring that all software components are up to date and functioning correctly. The crash dump analysis points to a potential driver issue, specifically involving gwdrv.sys, but further investigation would be needed to confirm this. The troubleshooting steps for game performance issues are largely focused on ensuring a clean and optimized installation of the game and its dependencies.
The documentation does not provide a definitive link between the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error and the game performance issues. However, it is possible that a driver conflict or system instability could contribute to both problems. The emphasis on driver updates and system restores suggests that these are considered important steps in resolving both types of issues.
Conclusion
The provided documentation offers insights into troubleshooting Windows system crashes and game performance problems. The crash dump analysis indicates a potential driver-related issue, while the forum posts provide a comprehensive set of troubleshooting steps for resolving game performance issues, including system restores, driver updates, and game file verification. While a direct correlation between the crash dump error and game performance is not explicitly stated, the suggested solutions address potential underlying causes that could contribute to both problems. Users experiencing similar issues should systematically follow the recommended steps to diagnose and resolve the underlying issues.