DNS dynamic update causes frequent computer restarts on Windows Server 2003 SP1-based domain controllers (918530)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter x64 Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP1, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition for Itanium-based Systems
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition

SYMPTOMS

When a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1)-based domain controller tries to dynamically register Domain Name System (DNS) records such as the Host (A) record, PTR record, and SRV record for the domain controller, the local Lsass.exe service randomly crashes. Additionally, because you cannot restart the Lsass.exe service, crashes in the service cause the domain controller to automatically restart. Such restarts may occur intermittently on a running domain controller. Or the restarts may occur every time that the operating system loads. Then, when remote computers try to discover such domain controllers by using DNS or by using network requests, services are either delayed or failed. This behavior occurs because the affected domain controller cannot dynamically register DNS records that are offline when you restart the computer.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the DNS Client service or the Dnsapi.dll file uses an invalid pointer when the DNS dynamic update for the domain controller records exceeds the UDP packet threshold.

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

To apply this hotfix, you must have Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) installed on the computer.

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart the 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 item in Control Panel.Windows Server 2003, x86-based versions
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTimePlatform
Dnsapi.dll5.2.3790.2693157,18429-Apr-200604:28x86
Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTimePlatformSP requirementService branch
Dnsapi.dll5.2.3790.2693438,27228-Apr-200616:40IA-64SP1SP1QFE
Wdnsapi.dll5.2.3790.2693157,18428-Apr-200616:40x86SP1WOW
Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTimePlatformSP requirementService branch
Dnsapi.dll5.2.3790.2693304,64028-Apr-200617:20x64SP1SP1QFE
Wdnsapi.dll5.2.3790.2693157,18428-Apr-200617:20x86SP1WOW

STATUS

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

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates, 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

Technical support for x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows

Your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for x64-based versions of Windows. Your hardware manufacturer provides support because an x64-based version of Windows was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the installation of Windows with unique components. Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you need technical help with your x64-based version of Windows. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware.

For product information about Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx

For product information about x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows Server 2003, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/x64/default.mspx

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/23/2006
Keywords:kbWinServ2003SP1fix kbBug kbfix kbQFE kbhotfixserver kbpubtypekc KB918530 kbAudITPRO
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