Data corruption and kernel-mode bugcheck may result when NMIs are delivered to unused CPU (298936)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP2
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP2
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP2
This article was previously published under Q298936

SYMPTOMS

In a multiprocessor-capable system that has an unused central processing unit (CPU), nonmaskable interrupts (NMI) are delivered to and responded to by the unused CPU. This situation may lead to data corruption in memory and eventually to an unspecified kernel-mode bugcheck.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur because Halmps.dll sends the NMI signal to all other processors except the originator through the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). The unused CPU responds to the NMI, which can corrupt data.

Scenarios in which a Microsoft Platforms (MPS) system might have unused processors include:
  • The first installation of the operating system, which uses only two processors regardless of the number installed.
  • Use of the NUMPROC=x switch in the Boot.ini file if x is a number that is fewer than the actual number of processors that are installed.

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 2000 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. The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:
   Date         Time   Version        Size    File name
   -----------------------------------------------------
   14-May-2001  19:52  5.0.2195.3611  93,536  Halmps.dll

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft Windows 2000.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about how to install Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 hotfixes at the same time, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

249149 Installing Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Hotfixes

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/12/2005
Keywords:kbHotfixServer kbQFE kbbug kbfix kbQFE kbWin2000PreSP3Fix KB298936
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.