System performance is negatively affected when Ntbackup.exe writes to a destination .bkf file (839272)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Enterprise Edition

SYMPTOMS

When the Ntbackup.exe program uses buffered input/output (I/O) to write to a destination .bkf file, the cache manager and the memory manager in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 may handle a large volume of data at a high throughput rate. This process consumes valuable system resources and may affect system performance.

CAUSE

This problem may occur if you back up large files with the Ntbackup.exe program, and then the cache manager cannot flush data to the disk sufficiently fast.

RESOLUTION

Hotfix information

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 Windows Server 2003 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.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You have to restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) 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
   ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   13-Apr-2004  17:49  5.2.3790.162  1,171,968  Ntbackup.exe  x86 
   13-Apr-2004  03:52  5.2.3790.162  46,080     Ws03res.dll   x86 
   13-Apr-2004  17:12  5.2.3790.162  3,341,824  Ntbackup.exe  IA-64 
   13-Apr-2004  03:52  5.2.3790.162  45,568     Ws03res.dll   IA-64
After you install this hotfix, you can use the Ntbackup program at a command prompt with the /FU parameter to enable unbuffered writes to a destination disk in Ntbackup. For additional information about command line parameters that you can use with Ntbackup, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

814583 How to use command line parameters with the Ntbackup command in Windows Server 2003

STATUS

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

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/1/2006
Keywords:kbQFE kbHotfixServer kbwinservsetup kbStorageMgmt kbBug kbfix kbWinServ2003preSP1fix KB839272 kbAudITPRO
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.