Changing the Behavior of the Dr Watson Utility (Windows NT/2000)

Registry Guide for Windows
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Registry tweaks, tricks & hacks to optimize, enhance and secure Microsoft Windows.

Changing the Behavior of the Dr Watson Utility (Windows NT/2000)
Category: Home > Windows > Accessories > Dr Watson

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By default whenever an application error occurs in Windows NT, Dr Watson is launched and the debugger started automatically. The extra resources needed for the debugger can sometimes push the system over the edge. It is possible to stop the debugger from launching by changing this setting.

Open your registry and find the key below.

Change the value of 'Auto' to equal '0' to disable the automatic debugger.

Restart Windows for the change to take effect.

Note: To disable Dr. Watson completely simply delete the AeDebug subkey and then to re-enable simple execute the command 'drwtsn32 -i'.


(Default)	REG_SZ	(value not set)
Auto	REG_SZ	"0"


	HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug

Settings:

System Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug]
Name: Auto
Type: REG_SZ (String Value)
Value: (0 = message, 1 = debugger & message)

Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. We cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved. Use the information provided at your own risk.

Last Modified: March 27, 2002

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