How to Create a Dump File from Task Manager for SSMS and Integrated Add-ins

How to Create a Dump File from Task Manager for SSMS and Integrated Add-ins

In cases where SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) or any integrated add-ins freeze or stop responding, a dump file can be generated for debugging purposes. This applies to both SSMS and the following dbForge add-ins for SQL Server:
  1. dbForge SQL Complete
  2. dbForge Source Control for SQL Server
  3. dbForge Unit Test for SQL Server
  4. dbForge Index Manager for SQL Server
  5. dbForge Data Pump for SQL Server
  6. dbForge Search for SQL Server
  7. dbForge Monitor for SQL Server
Steps to Create a Dump File from Task Manager:
  1. Reproduce the Issue:
    • Ensure the issue has occurred before creating the dump file (e.g., SSMS or an add-in has stopped responding but is still visible in Task Manager).
  2. Open Task Manager:
    • Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager from the menu.
  3. Switch to the 'Details' Tab:
    • In Task Manager, click on the Details tab to view the running processes.
  4. Select the SSMS Process:
    • Find the ssms.exe process, which corresponds to SQL Server Management Studio.
  5. Create the Dump File:

Right-click on ssms.exe and choose Create Dump File from the popup menu.

Example:

If you are using dbForge SQL Complete within SSMS and the application becomes unresponsive, follow the steps above to generate a dump file for ssms.exe. This file is useful for identifying the cause of the issue and can be shared with technical support.

Note: This method is compatible with SSMS versions 18, 19, 20, and 21.