FIX: SQL Server May Stop Responding (hang) During Snapshot Backup of More Than One Database (308755)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2000 (all editions)
This article was previously published under Q308755
BUG #: 354881 (SHILOH_BUGS)

SYMPTOMS

If an application that performs a snapshot backup tries to back up more than one database as part of the snapshot, a deadlock may occur. SQL Server may appear to stop responding (hang) because the snapshot backups cannot complete due to the deadlock, which prevents change activity on the server. You can establish new connections; however, you can only perform "read only" tasks.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Microsoft SQL Server 2000. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

290211 INF: How to Obtain the Latest SQL Server 2000 Service Pack

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft SQL Server 2000.

This problem was first corrected in Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 2.

MORE INFORMATION

SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 2 (SP2) now provides server-side support for freezing and capturing multiple databases in a single snapshot through the VDC_PrepareToFreeze command. To avoid the deadlock, applications that must back up more than one database in a single snapshot must now use the new VDC_PrepareTo Freeze command.

The Virtual Backup Device Specification in SQL Server 2000 SP2 contains updated information about the VDC_PrepareTo Freeze command. An updated version of the Virtual Device Interface header file (vdi.h) is also available.

For more details, refer to the VBACKUP.chm file included in the SQL Server 2000 SP2 distribution. You can also download the updated specification and include file from the Microsoft Download center at:

Microsoft SQL Server Downloads Web site

Snapshot backup functionality is accomplished in cooperation with third party hardware and/or software vendors. For more information, refer to the Snapshot Backups topic in SQL Server 2000 Books Online.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/17/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbfix KB308755
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