Dr Watson
was first released integrated into Windows 3.0, it was used to find minor software errors in the operating system. Its name refers to the books by the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, of course I am referring to the Sherlock Holmes stories. The program was originally called Sherlock as its purpose was to investigate errors in the system (in the same kind of way the Sherlock Holmes did in the books).
However this name was soon changed to Dr Watson who was Sherlock Holmes' sidekick, this was a more appropriate name as Dr Watson merely collected information to pass on the Sherlock Holmes. Just picture Microsoft as Sherlock Holmes and the Dr Watson debugger as Dr Watson himself. Dr Watson collects and relays information to Sherlock Holmes and he in turn solves the issues and offers an explanation.
How it Works
When an error occurs in a piece of software (e.g. it stops responding) the system searches for a program error handler. A program error handler deals with errors as they arise during the running of a program, it either closes it or sorts out the fault there and then so it can continue running.
However if the system does not find a program error handler, the system sees that the program is not currently being debugged and looks in the registry for a program error debugger for which Dr Watson is the default.
How often have you had a problem with a piece of software and it stops responding? Upon closing a pop-up appears telling you an error report was made and it asks whether you want to send the error report. Well these error reports that are created are the work of Dr Watson.
When an error occurs Dr Watson debugs it (sorts it out) and creates a text file called DrWtsn32.log that is then sent to the Microsoft support department so they can see what went wrong.
What is the result of these reports?
This depends entirely on the problem. If it occurred once and doesn't happen again and it is the only report Microsoft receives about one particular error they merely ignore it, as it is usually the fault of the user.
If however it is a serious error on their part and they receive numerous reports of the same error then they will usually release a Windows Update that resolves the issue.
FAQ
- “There is talk on the Internet that this program is a Trojan, is this true?”
No this is a lie. Microsoft included this in their operating systems to find faults, it is in effect a method of customer feedback so Microsoft can improve their products.
- “When I click "Send Report" my firewall stops the program accessing the Internet, what should I do?”
Unblock the program as giving Microsoft the information won't harm your computer and they might release an update that will solve your problem.
- “I have information on my PC that I don't wish to share so can I still send error reports?”
The error reports contain only details of the error and a time log of when it occurred, they contain no personal information at all.
- “Do I have to use Dr Watson?”
No, however it is advisable as it is the best way to debug errors and send Microsoft information. Third party debuggers can be used instead of Dr Watson if you wish not to use it.
