How to enable a remote kernel debugger connection on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1

This article discusses how to enable a remote kernel debugger connection on a computer that is running Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 (SP1).

You can remotely initiate a kernel debugging session on a server that is enabled for kernel debugging. You can use a command or a keyboard shortcut to configure a Windows Server 2003-based computer to accept kernel debugging sessions.

Prerequisites

Kernel debugging requires the following two computers:

• The host computer (the debugger)
• The destination computer (the server)

The destination computer is effectively locked up when the destination computer breaks into the debugger. The host computer performs the following tasks:

• Runs the kernel debugger executable.
• Supports the remote session.
• Takes control of the server when the server hits a breakpoint.
• Takes control of the server when the server is manually broken into by pressing CTRL+C.

Use an IEEE 1384 cable, also known as a FireWire cable, or use a special null modem serial cable to connect the host computer to the server.

To install the latest debug tools, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

How to enable kernel debugging on the server

Method 1: Use a command to enable kernel debugging on the server

1. Make sure that Windows Server 2003 SP1 is installed on the server.
2. Add the /debug=disable, noumex switch to the Boot.ini file on the server.
   
   For more information about how to change the Boot.ini file in Windows Server 2003, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
   317526� How to edit the Boot.ini file in Windows Server 2003
   By default, the /debug switch uses COM2 and a baud rate of 19200 kilobits per second (kbps). To change the baud rate and COM port settings, add the /baudrate and /debugport switches to the Boot.ini file. For example, type /baudrate=115200 /debugport=com1 in the Boot.ini file.
   
   The /debug=disable switch will start the system in non-debug mode. However, the COM port will be reserved for future use.
   
   The noumex switch will disable user mode exception handling by the kernel debugger. To change exception handling for the kernel debugger, use the Kdbgctrl.exe tool.
   
   Note If the noumex switch is enabled, the !bpid debugger command that lets you to break into the user mode process does not work. To use the !bpid command to break into the user mode process, run the following command to set the user exception handling option to false.

   c:\Debuggers> kdbgctrl -du

3. On the server, open a command prompt, and then locate the folder where you installed the debug tools. For example, if you installed the debug tools in the root directory of drive C, use the Kdbgctrl.exe tool with the following commands from the C:\Debuggers> command prompt.
   
   Note To enable the kernel debugger, you can use the -e switch. However, by default, the -e switch is blocked. Type kdbgctrl -eb to enable the kernel debugger enable option.
   Collapse this tableExpand this table

   Command	Explanation
   -c	Check kernel debugger enables
   -ca	Check kernel debugger auto-enable
   -cb	Check kernel debugger enable block
   -cdb	Check kernel DbgPrint buffer size
   -cu	Check kernel debugger user exception handling
   -cx	Check kernel debugger enable and exit with status
   -d	Disable kernel debugger
   -da	Disable kernel debugger auto-enable
   -db	Disable kernel debugger enable
   -du	Disable kernel debugger user exception handling
   -e	Enable kernel debugger
   -ea	Enable kernel debugger auto-enable
   -eb	Enable kernel debugger enable
   -eu	Enable kernel debugger user exception handling
   -sdb size	Set kernel DbgPrint buffer size
   -td Product ID file	Obtain a kernel triage dump file

Method 2: Use a keyboard shortcut to enable kernel debugging on the server

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

1. Make sure that Windows Server 2003 SP1 is installed on the server.
2. Add the /debug=disable, noumex switch to the Boot.ini file on the server.
3. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK to start Registry Editor.
4. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\i8042prt\Parameters
5. Create the following registry key:

   Value Type: DWORD
   Value Name: KdEnableOnCtrlSysRq
   Value Data: 1

6. Restart the server.
7. To enable the kernel debugging connection, hold down the CTRL key that is located in the lower-right corner, and then press SysRq two times.