how to find out what caused a Kernel Panic?

[adcx64]

so today, my MBA (2011) crashed while watching a video and went to the "your computer restarted because of a problem" screen. then, upon restarting, i got a typical Kernel Panic with black text on the white background. Any way to tell what caused this?

 

[Weaselboy]

Open this folder in Finder and there should be a crash log from the date/time of the KP. Also, give this a look.

/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports

 

[grahamperrin]

NVRAM and logs of kernel panics

The following command, run in Terminal, will cause any future log of a kernel panic to include additional information. That information can make the cause(s) much easier to discover.

sudo nvram boot-args="keepsyms=y"

For that boot argument to become effective, restart the Mac.

The effect will last until the setting is cleared from NVRAM.

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… Also, give this a look. …

+1

More recent Apple article about kernel panics:

OS X Mavericks: If your Mac restarts and a message appears

OS X: When your computer spontaneously restarts or displays "Your computer restarted because of a problem."