Quick Summary
The "Failed to write core dump" error in Minecraft indicates that the game was unable to save the debugging information after a crash. This usually points to problems with file permissions or disk space, preventing the creation of the core dump file.
Common Causes
- Insufficient Disk Space: The system drive where Minecraft or the temporary files are stored might lack sufficient free space to write the core dump file. Core dump files can be quite large, especially after a significant crash.
- File Permission Issues: Minecraft may not have the necessary permissions to write files to the directory where core dumps are saved. This is especially common if Minecraft is running with limited user privileges.
- Corrupted Minecraft Installation: A corrupted Minecraft installation or a corrupted world file may cause crashes that prevent proper core dump creation. The game might be trying to write to corrupted data.
- Antivirus Interference: Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with Minecraft's ability to write files, especially if the antivirus suspects the process is writing malicious data. This can prevent the core dump from being created.
- Operating System Issues: Underlying operating system problems such as file system errors, corrupted system files, or memory management issues can prevent the writing of a core dump.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Free Up Disk Space
Step 1: Check the available disk space on the drive where Minecraft is installed or where temporary files are stored (usually the system drive, C:).
Step 2: Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files, old downloads, or unused applications, to free up space. You may also want to empty the recycle bin.
Step 3: Restart Minecraft to see if the issue is resolved.
Method 2: Run Minecraft as Administrator
Step 1: Locate the Minecraft launcher executable (usually found in the Minecraft installation directory or on the desktop).
Step 2: Right-click on the executable and select "Run as administrator".
Step 3: This provides Minecraft with elevated privileges, potentially resolving file permission issues that prevent core dumps from being written.
Method 3: Check Antivirus Software
Step 1: Check your antivirus software's logs to see if it has recently blocked or quarantined any Minecraft files.
Step 2: Add Minecraft to the antivirus software's exclusion list or 'whitelist'. This prevents the antivirus from interfering with Minecraft's file operations.
Step 3: Restart Minecraft to see if the issue is resolved.
Method 4: Reinstall Minecraft
Step 1: Uninstall Minecraft completely. This includes deleting the Minecraft installation folder, as well as related files in the AppData folder (%appdata%/.minecraft). Back up any save files you want to keep!
Step 2: Download the latest version of Minecraft from the official website.
Step 3: Reinstall the game and test if the problem is resolved. This ensures a clean installation without corrupted files.
Method 5: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for 'cmd' in the Start Menu, right-click, and select 'Run as administrator'.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This command will scan and repair corrupted system files.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.
Step 4: Restart your computer and try running Minecraft again.