Crash Dump (or Core) Files

The crash dump or core file written when a UNIX system crashes can provide clues about what caused the crash if it is examined by an experienced kernel debugger. However, when a UNIX system reboots after a crash, it generally overwrites any core file that may have been produced--unless you have enabled the system to save the core file in a crash dump file.

See "Using Crash Dumps Task Map" for detailed instructions on how to enable a system to save crash dump files. Crash dump files can be very big, so do not retain them longer than necessary.