Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\WhoCrashed\WhoCrashed.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\WhoCrashed\WhoCrashed.exe
Warning
Occasional processes per crash analysis
WhoCrashed may spawn auxiliary helper processes when parsing crash dumps; this is expected behavior during analysis.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the tool when not analyzing, and prevent startup if configured to run on login.
What is whocrashed.exe?
whocrashed.exe is the executable for the WhoCrashed crash analysis tool. It analyzes Windows crash dumps (.dmp) and related system data to identify faulting drivers or modules and generates human-readable reports to aid debugging.
WhoCrashed parses memory dumps, module lists, loaded drivers, and system information to produce a concise fault summary and deeper technical details for debugging crash causes.
Quick Fact: WhoCrashed is commonly used to quickly identify crash-causing drivers after a blue screen or application crash.
Types of WhoCrashed Processes
- Main GUI Process: User interface for opening dump files and viewing reports
- Dump Parser: Parses crash dumps (.dmp) to extract faulting modules and stack traces
- Report Generator: Produces readable analysis reports from parsed data
- Helper Service: Optional background component for ongoing crash monitoring (if enabled)
Is whocrashed.exe Safe?
Yes, whocrashed.exe is safe when obtained from reputable sources or official distribution channels and located in its designated program folder.
Is whocrashed.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real whocrashed.exe is NOT a virus. However, always verify the file location and digital signature to avoid impersonators.
How to Tell if whocrashed.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\WhoCrashed\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\WhoCrashed\. Any whocrashed.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "Resplendence Software".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low CPU/memory while analyzing dumps. Constant high resource use when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should only run when you open dumps or run a crash analysis. Background mining or network activity is abnormal.
Red Flags: If whocrashed.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData), runs at system startup without user action, has no signature, or exhibits suspicious network activity, scan with antivirus. Beware of similarly named files.
Why Is whocrashed.exe Running on My PC?
whocrashed.exe runs when you initiate a crash analysis session, load a crash dump, or enable crash monitoring features within the tool.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Crash Analysis: You are actively loading a crash dump or generating an analysis report.
- Background Dump Monitoring: Configured to watch a folder for new crash dumps and process them automatically.
- Automated Reporting: Scheduled or automated report generation triggered by crash activity.
- Driver/Module Investigation: The tool is analyzing faulting drivers or modules referenced by a dump.
- Post-Crash Diagnostics: You are performing post-crash analysis to isolate stability issues on the system.
Can I Disable or Remove whocrashed.exe?
Yes, you can disable whocrashed.exe. It is safe to uninstall or stop using it if crash diagnostics are not needed.
How to Stop whocrashed.exe
- Close the Application: Exit the WhoCrashed GUI if open
- End Background Processes: Open Task Manager, locate any whocrashed.exe entries, and End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable WhoCrashed
- Remove Scheduled Tasks: If you configured automated crash monitoring, disable the task in Task Scheduler
- Uninstall: Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > WhoCrashed > Uninstall
How to Uninstall Whocrashed
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → WhoCrashed → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → WhoCrashed → Uninstall
- ✔ Delete remaining program files from C:\Program Files\WhoCrashed (if any) and clear registry leftovers with a trusted cleaner
Common Problems: Crash Dump Access or Analysis Delays
If whocrashed.exe struggles with dumps or reports delay, try the following common fixes and checks.
Common Causes & Solutions
- No crash dumps available: Ensure Windows is configured to create crash dumps: System Properties > Advanced > Startup and Recovery > Dump file; set to Small or Complete memory dump.
- Unsupported dump format: Use supported dump formats (.dmp) or export from the original crash tool; convert if necessary.
- Invalid signature or tampered files: Verify the executable signature and ensure the file is from the official distribution.
- Administrator rights required: Run Whocrashed as Administrator to access protected dumps and system information.
- Antivirus interference: Add Whocrashed to antivirus exceptions to prevent scanning delays or blocking during analysis.
- Outdated software: Update to the latest version of Whocrashed to ensure compatibility with newer dump formats and OS changes.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Whocrashed and load the crash dump file (.dmp)
2. Check for missing modules in the module list and reattempt parsing
3. Run as Administrator and ensure dumps are accessible
4. Update to the latest version of Whocrashed
5. Verify Windows crash dump settings and restart analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is whocrashed.exe safe to run on Windows?
Yes, when obtained from official sources and located in C:\Program Files\WhoCrashed or C:\Program Files (x86)\WhoCrashed. Always verify the digital signature.
What is a crash dump and how does Whocrashed use it?
A crash dump is a snapshot of memory at the time of a crash. Whocrashed loads the dump, analyzes the stack and loaded modules, and identifies likely faulting drivers or components.
Why is Whocrashed running after a crash?
If you opened a dump or configured automatic analysis, Whocrashed will run to process the dump and generate a report.
Can I disable Whocrashed from starting with Windows?
Yes, disable it in Task Manager > Startup or uninstall the application if you do not need crash analysis.
How do I read Whocrashed's report?
Look for the Faulting Driver/Module section, review the stack trace, and cross-check with the system’s drivers. Use the report as a starting point for driver updates or debugging.
Where can I download Whocrashed safely?
Download from the official Resplendence Software site or trusted software repositories; verify the digital signature before installation.