The CreateToolhelp32Snapshot function triggers a memory leak in a target process (831712)

SYMPTOMS

Assume a scenario where you run a program on a Microsoft Windows 2000-based computer that calls the CreateToolhelp32Snapshot function by using any one of the following values, as specified by the dwFlags parameter:

TH32CS_SNAPMODULE
TH32CS_SNAPHEAPLIST
TH32CS_SNAPALL

In this scenario, a memory leak is triggered in the target process that is specified by the dwPID parameter. The memory that is allocated in the target process for this operation is not freed, even when the snapshot handle and the calling process are closed.

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

To install this hotfix you must have Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 or Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 installed.

Restart requirement

You do not have to 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
   --------------------------------------------------------
   25-Nov-2003  18:33  5.0.2195.6876     483,600  Ntdll.dll

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 file naming schema for Microsoft Windows software update packages

For additional 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