BSOD and Unexpected Shutdowns with Volmgr Errors 46 & 161: "Dump file creation failed"

Hoang Lam 20 Reputation points
2026-11-04T09:31:53.5066667+00:00

Hello everyone,

My Windows PC recently experienced a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and unexpected shutdowns. However, I am unable to diagnose the root cause because Windows failed to create a crash dump file.

Here are the exact errors I found in the Event Viewer (System log):

  1. Event ID 6008 (EventLog): "The previous system shutdown at 3:41:17 PM on 11/4/2026 was unexpected." (Note: There was another unexpected shutdown logged at 4:10:01 PM).
  2. Event ID 46 (volmgr): "Crash dump initialization failed!"
  3. Event ID 161 (volmgr): "Dump file creation failed due to error during dump creation."
  4. My questions are:
    • How can I fix the Volmgr error (Event 46 & 161) so that Windows can successfully create a dump file the next time a crash occurs?
  • Without a dump file, are there any other logs or methods I can use to find out what caused this BSOD?

Thank you so much for your help!image.png

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures

4 answers

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  1. SD - IA 182.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-04T10:08:06.4033333+00:00

    Hi,
    If the dump wasn't created, it is probably because memory corruption occurred due to a RAM failure.

    Are there minidumps in C:/Windows/Minidump folder?

    Are those crashes one off or persisting?

    Please supply the following Information.

    Right-click the Start button and Choose the Run option

    Type in msinfo32

    Press enter.

    Take a screenshot of the System Summary window and post it in the next reply.

    I look forward to your response and am eager to collaborate until we find a solution.

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  2. SD - IA 182.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-05T15:06:05.8866667+00:00

    Hi,

    Looks like a Memory test is required.

    I suggest you to run a memory test for at least 8 passes, preferably overnight.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/14201-memtest86-test-ram.html

    When the test is complete, post the Image (you can use your phone's camera).

    Content on the above blog is written by a Windows MVP so it is safe. However, do watch out for the ads.

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  3. Braulio Luna 0 Reputation points
    2026-11-05T15:16:00.1033333+00:00

    Run CMD as Admin

    sfc /scannow

    chkdsk c: /f /r

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  4. SD - IA 182.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-06T12:41:39.3233333+00:00

    Hi Hoang,
    Did you run Memory Test?

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