Knowledge Base

FIX: The XmlTextReader class generates a runtime exception when you read an XML document

Article ID: 818777

Article Last Modified on 5/12/2007

APPLIES TO

Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1

SYMPTOMS

When you use the XmlTextReader class to read an XML document, you may receive the following runtime exception error message:

Value must be positive. Parameter name: startIndex
at System.Text.StringBuilder.Append(Char[] value, Int32 startIndex, Int32 charCount)
at System.Xml.XmlTextReader.ParseXmlDecl()
at System.Xml.XmlTextReader.ParseTag()
at System.Xml.XmlTextReader.ParseRoot()
at System.Xml.XmlTextReader.Read()

CAUSE

This problem occurs if there is a delay when the XmlTextReader class reads an XML document from a Stream object.

RESOLUTION

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

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

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question. 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.

   Date                         Time           Version                  Size              File Name                                        Platform
   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   18-Apr-2003        20:01         1.1.4322.902        1335296     System.XML.dll  x86

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use a Stream object with the XmlTextReader class. If you do this, read delays do not occur.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

REFERENCES

For more information, visit the following Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web sites:

XmlTextReader class
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.xml.xmltextreader(vs.71).aspx

HttpWebResponse class
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.net.httpwebresponse(vs.71).aspx

Keywords: kbqfe kbhotfixserver kbxml kbfileio KB818777

Microsoft KB Archive/818777

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