Microsoft KB Archive/938486

= A Windows Server 2003-based computer becomes unresponsive because of a memory manager trimming operation that is caused by an indeterminate module that requests lots of memory =

Article ID: 938486

Article Last Modified on 12/5/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition for Itanium-Based Systems
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter x64 Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition

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SYMPTOMS
A Windows Server 2003-based computer becomes unresponsive. This unresponsive time may last from several seconds to two minutes. During this time, all applications and services on the computer stop working.

When you monitor the working set size of a process, you may find that the working set size of the process decreases. This information indicates that the memory manager is trimming all processes on the computer to satisfy a large memory allocation request. Typically, the trimming operation is triggered by the following functions:
 * MMAllocateContiguousMemory
 * MmAllocateContiguousMemorySpecifyCache

Unfortunately, you cannot determine the driver or the module that triggers the memory allocation request operation to request the large amount of memory.



RESOLUTION
A hotfix is available to limit the number of trim operation per process to 8,192 pages.

Note Previously, the memory manager would try to trim one-quarter of the working set size of a process.

Hotfix information
A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows Server 2003 service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem, submit a request to Microsoft Online Customer Services to obtain the hotfix. To submit an online request to obtain the hotfix, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=6294451

Note If additional issues occur or any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. To create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Prerequisites
To apply this hotfix, you must have one of the following service packs installed:
 * Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
 * Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Restart requirement
You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information
This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.

Registry information
You do not have to change the registry.

File information
The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, x64-based versions


STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the &quot;Applies to&quot; section.



MORE INFORMATION
For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

Keywords: kbfix kbexpertiseadvanced kbpubtypekc kbqfe kbhotfixserver KB938486

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