Applications May Fail with Access Violation During File Open (192297)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0

This article was previously published under Q192297

SYMPTOMS

When a non-administrator opens a file from within an application such as Microsoft Paint, an access violation (AV) could occur causing the application to terminate.

Restarting the system is required to clear the problem. The AV occurs in the MFC DLLs. The problem does not occur if the user is an administrator.

CAUSE

If Shell32.dll is invoked before Rpcss.exe, shell calls CreateEvent() to create a certain event. An incorrect parameter passed on this call adds restrictions (security) on the event object.

The problem does not occur if Rpcss.exe initializes first because the right parameters are passed on the call to create the same event.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or the individual software update. For information on obtaining the latest service pack, please go to:
For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 5.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/23/2005
Keywords:kbHotfixServer kbQFE kbbug kbfix kbQFE KB192297