handling IRPs 16: Debugging I/O Problems

Debugging I/O Problems

Driver writers can use the Driver Verifier and extensions to the Microsoft debuggers to debug problems in handling IRPs.

Driver Verifier can catch errors in every aspect of IRP handling. Driver Verifier is provided with every version of the operating system. Driver verifier runs best with a debugger attached. However, all driver writers must still provide and use test tools that exercise their driver in order for Driver Verifier to detect errors. Use of the Driver Verifier and driver-specific test tools should be a standard part of debugging and development.

The !irp and !irpfind debugger extensions can help in tracing IRPs while debugging. The!irp extension displays detailed information about a specified IRP, and the!irpfind extension displays information about all IRPs in the system or about one or more IRPs that meet specified criteria. For detailed information about these extensions, see the documentation in the Debugging Tools for Windows package. You can download this package from the WHDC web site, at the location listed in the Call to Action and Resources section of this paper.