Computer Stops Responding During the Memory Check Phase of the Startup Process (826289)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server

SYMPTOMS

When you try to start your Windows 2000-based computer, the computer may stop responding, or "hang," during the memory check phase of the startup process.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if both of the following conditions are true:
  • The amount of random access memory (RAM) that is installed on the computer exceeds the amount that is supported by the operating system.

    -and-
  • Physical Address Extensions (PAE) is turned on in the Boot.ini file.
This problem only occurs with specific original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server configurations. If you run the kernel debugger, the system will appear to be stuck executing the MmInitializeMemoryLimits() function. On some computers, the Windows 2000 operating system is set to only recognize 8 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. Memory more than this maximum setting is ignored. In the condition that is described in the "Symptoms" section of this article, the memory is not ignored, and this causes the computer to stop responding.

RESOLUTION

Hotfix Information

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that this article describes. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem.

To resolve this problem, 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

No prerequisites are required.

Restart Requirement

You must restart your 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) 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 tool in Control Panel. 
   Date         Time   Version            Size    File name
   --------------------------------------------------------------
   26-Jun-2003  18:26  5.0.2195.6762      29,712  Mountmgr.sys
   05-Aug-2003  20:46  5.0.2195.6799   1,696,640  Ntkrnlpa.exe     
   05-Aug-2003  20:46  5.0.2195.6799   1,717,568  Ntkrpamp.exe

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about how hotfix packages are named, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

816915 New Naming Schema for Microsoft Windows Hotfix Packages

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/28/2005
Keywords:kbHotfixServer kbQFE kbBug kbfix kbQFE kbWin2000preSP5fix KB826289 kbAudITPRO
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