FIX: Backup of Multi-File Database to Striped Media May Encounter CPU Spin (314971)

SYMPTOMS

You may encounter a CPU spin during a SQL Server backup on high-end multi-processor computers. You will most likely see this problem only when you back up a database to striped media (tape or disk) and the database spans multiple database files.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Microsoft SQL Server 7.0. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

301511 INF: How to Obtain the Latest SQL Server 7.0 Service Pack

NOTE: The following hotfix was created prior to Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Service Pack 4.

The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:

   Version     File name
   -------------------------

   7.00.1020   Sqlservr.exe

NOTE: Because of file dependencies, the most recent hotfix or feature that contains the preceding files may also contain additional files.

WORKAROUND

You may be able to reduce the frequency of this problem by:

Reducing the number of database files in the database.

-or-
Reducing the number of target media devices that are part of the striped backup.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was first corrected in Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Service Pack 4.

MORE INFORMATION

If this problem occurs, you may see multiple CPUs at a utilization of 100% along with a very high percentage of %Privileged Time, as measured by the Microsoft Windows NT Performance Monitor.