Debugging a crashing QEMU session on a Windows host

debugging_qemu.md

1.Enable Debugging in QEMU: Start QEMU with debugging options enabled. You can use the -s and -S options to start QEMU in a paused state and listen for a debugger connection:

qemu-system-x86_64 -s -S -hda your_image.img

2.Use GDB for Debugging: Connect to the QEMU instance using GDB. Open a new terminal and run:

gdb
target remote localhost:1234

3.Set Up WinDbg: If you prefer using WinDbg, you can set up a debugging session with QEMU. Follow these steps:

• Download and install the Windows Debugging Tools.

• Start QEMU with the -gdb tcp::1234 option.

• Open WinDbg and connect to the QEMU instance using the File -> Kernel Debug -> EXDI option.

4.Check QEMU Logs: QEMU generates logs that can provide valuable information about the crash. Check the QEMU logs for any error messages or warnings that might indicate the cause of the crash.

5.Use QEMU Monitor: The QEMU monitor provides a command-line interface to interact with the running QEMU instance. You can use the monitor to gather more information about the state of the VM and diagnose issues.

6.Update QEMU and Drivers: Ensure that you are using the latest version of QEMU and that all drivers are up to date. Sometimes, crashes can be caused by outdated software or drivers.

7.Check for Known Issues: Search for known issues related to QEMU and your specific configuration. The QEMU community and forums can be a valuable resource for finding solutions to common problems.