## Using Core Files

A core file is a memory dump of the current state of a device, when the device is unable to boot or unable to continue running. In the event of a crash, the device puts its core file in the `/var/crash/<`device_name`>` directory on the Storage Service Processor. The system software retains up to five core files for each device, which are downloadable. Special external tools are then used to analyze the core file and debug the problem.

Note -

<device_name> is the device's name in the host file (for example, `array00`).

You can download core files for analysis and troubleshooting purposes, and you can delete selected core files.

### Related Topics

- Downloading and Deleting Core Files
- Using Message, Event, and Alert Logs