Microsoft KB Archive/834389

= Certificate Services ignores the HighSerial registry entry after the first restart in Windows Server 2003 =

Article ID: 834389

Article Last Modified on 7/24/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition

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SYMPTOMS
When you set the HighSerial registry entry value to change the length of the serial number that is assigned to certificates that the certification authority issues, Certificate Services must restart for the change to take effect. However, on subsequent restarts, the serial number has the default size.



CAUSE
This problem occurs because the certificate server checks the HighSerial registry entry only on the first restart after the registry entry is changed. The certificate server does not check the HighSerial registry entry on subsequent restarts. Therefore, the certificate server uses the default serial number length on subsequent restarts.



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 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
No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement
You do not have to restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information
This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information
The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later) 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 tool in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003, 32-bit editions
  Date         Time   Version       Size     File name --  08-Jan-2004  20:19  5.2.3790.116  294,912  Certsrv.exe

Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Enterprise Edition
  Date         Time   Version       Size     File name --  07-Jan-2004  17:41  5.2.3790.116  877,056  Certsrv.exe



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 additional information, 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

Additional query words: win2k3 win2003 CA authority

Keywords: kbhotfixserver kbqfe kbcertservices kbbug kbfix kbqfe kbwinserv2003presp1fix KB834389

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