CPU usage hits 100 percent if the system is low on memory and the Server for NFS service is running (835152)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2003

SYMPTOMS

When available memory is almost exhausted, the CPU utilization reaches 100 percent and stays at 100 percent until the available memory increases. This behavior only occurs when the Server for NFS service is running. The behavior may occur regardless of whether the system has exported any network file system (NFS) shares.

CAUSE

Server for NFS tries to free memory in its internal caches when it encounters a low memory situation. This action can help make the low memory condition less severe and can help improve system performance and stability. However, the NFS driver searches constantly for memory to free until the system is no longer in a low memory situation, and in the process it completely uses the CPU.

RESOLUTION

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that this article describes. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem.

To resolve this problem, 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.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

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

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 
   ---------------------------------------------------
   20-Jan-2004  23:52  7.1.2239.4  423,168  Nfssvr.sys

WORKAROUND

If you are not using Server for NFS, you can stop the Server for NFS service until the hotfix is applied. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type command, and then click OK.
  3. At the command prompt, type net stop nfssvc, and then press ENTER.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section of this article.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:4/7/2006
Keywords:kbQFE KBHotfixServer kbfix kbBug KB835152 kbAudITPRO kbAudOEM
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