DHCP server stops leasing addresses if a sharing violation occurs (216793)

SYMPTOMS

The DHCP service stops responding to client lease and renewal requests. The following errors are logged to the System and Application logs.

System log

Event ID: 1014
Source: DHCP Server
Description: The JET Database returned the following error: -510
Data: 02 fe ff ffEvent ID: 1016
Source: DHCP Server
Description: The DHCP Server encountered the following error when backing up the user database:
Data: 2d 4e 00 00

Application log

Event ID: 30
Source: JET
Description : Unable to create log. The drive may be read-only or out of disk space. Error - 1032The error in the Application log appears only once when the sharing violation occurs. The errors in the System log are repeated every time the DHCP service tries to backup its database. By default, this attempt occurs every 15 minutes.

CAUSE

The DHCP service uses a JET database to store configuration and lease information. The service creates a backup copy of its database at a regular interval. Any program or service other than the DHCP service gaining access to the files in the DHCP directory may cause a sharing violation. As a result of the sharing violation, the DHCP service stops processing all client requests because it requires exclusive access to its database and log files.

RESOLUTION

Windows NT Server or Workstation 4.0

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

152734 How to obtain the latest Windows NT 4.0 service pack

Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack

WORKAROUND

The DHCP service should be the only process that gains access to the files in the DHCP directory. In addition to applying the update described in this article, the following procedural or configuration changes should be made.

If a backup of the Windows NT system files is required, the DHCP service should be stopped until the backup is complete. If the system is running a virus scanner, the directory containing the DHCP files should be omitted from those being scanned (%systemroot%\system32\dhcp).

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 6.