FIX: Active Server Pages stops responding when a response to a POST operation is redirected to another server by using Microsoft XML 4.0 SP2 (827429)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft XML 4.0 SP2

SYMPTOMS

Microsoft Active Server Pages (ASP) stops responding if the following conditions are true:
  • The response to a POST operation from a ServerXmlHttp object is redirected to another server.
  • In Microsoft Internet Explorer, the security policy setting for the Access data sources across domains option is set to either Prompt or Disable.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because a change of behavior that was introduced in Microsoft XML (MSXML) 4.0 Service Pack 2 (SP2) checks the settings in the Internet Explorer security policy. If the Access data sources across domains option is set to either Prompt or Disable, the call to the Response.Redirect method tries to open a dialog box. However, because the Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) process cannot display any dialog boxes, ASP stops responding.

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, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next 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     
  --------------------------------------------------------
   19-Aug-2003  21:56  4.20.9819.0   1,233,920  Msxml4.dll

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, change the relevant setting in the Internet Explorer security policy.

Note This workaround does not resolve the problem on a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer that is running in Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 mode.

To work around this problem on a Microsoft Windows 2000-based computer, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type mmc, and then click OK.
  2. On either the File menu or the Action menu, click Add/Remove Snap-in.
  3. In the Add/Remove Snap-in dialog box, click Add.
  4. On the Standalone tab, click Add.
  5. In the Available Standalone Snap-in dialog box, click Group Policy, and then click Add. The Group Policy Wizard starts.
  6. In the Group Policy Wizard, click Finish.
  7. To close the Add Standalone Snap-in dialog box, click Close.
  8. In the Add/Remove Snap-in dialog box, click OK.
  9. Under User Configuration, expand Windows Settings, expand Internet Explorer Maintenance, and then click Security.
  10. In the right pane, double-click Security Zones and Content Ratings.
  11. Under Security Zones and Privacy, click Import the current security zones and privacy settings, and then click Modify Settings.
  12. Select the zone that you want to modify, and then click Custom Level.

    To determine the zone for this setting, select the same zone as the URL that is the destination of the POST operation.
  13. Make sure that the Enable option is selected for the Access data sources across domains option, and then click OK.
  14. Restart the process that is running the ServerXmlHttp object. You may have to restart your computer.

STATUS

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

REFERENCES

For additional information about changes in the product and about the topic "Security is tightened when you post data by using the ServerXmlHttp object", click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

820882 Conformance and security changes in MSXML 4.0 Service Pack 2

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/25/2005
Keywords:kbHotfixServer kbQFE kbfix kbBug kbQFE KB827429 kbAudDeveloper
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