FIX: Internet Explorer 6 may exit with an access violation when the JavaScript garbage collector runs and you have dynamically removed a TBODY, THEAD, or TFOOT HTML tag from a table in Windows XP (918961)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2

SYMPTOMS

Consider the following scenario. In Microsoft Windows XP, the JavaScript garbage collector runs in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6. You have dynamically removed a TBODY, THEAD, or TFOOT HTML tag from a table. In this scenario, Internet Explorer 6 may eventually exit with an access violation.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the garbager collector cleans up the internal references to the TBODY, THEAD, and TFOOT elements when the garbage collector runs. By doing this, the garbage collector deletes the internal objects even though other references to those objects still exist. When those objects are used later, certain operations may overwrite memory. This behavior may cause Internet Explorer to crash.

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, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows XP 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

You must apply Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) before you apply this hotfix.

Restart requirement

You must 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.
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTime
Mshtml.dll6.0.2900.2910 3,055,10417-May-2006 11:27

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, 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:7/26/2006
Keywords:kbWinXPpreSP3fix kbBug kbfix kbQFE kbhotfixserver kbpubtypekc KB918961 kbAudDeveloper kbAudITPRO
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