You cannot view enhanced metafile format graphics files (or EMF image files) that were created in Adobe Illustrator (840997)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003
  • Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2002
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

SYMPTOMS

Programs that use Microsoft Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) functions to open enhanced metafile graphics files (also known as EMF image files) do not correctly display EMF image files that were created in Adobe Illustrator. For example, EMF image files that were created in Adobe Illustrator do not appear correctly in Microsoft Internet Explorer, in Windows Explorer, in Windows Picture and Fax Viewer, or in Microsoft Office.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if one of the following conditions is true:
  • You are running Microsoft Windows Server 2003.
  • You install the security update that is described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011 on a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, or Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. For more information about this security update, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms04-011.mspx

    The security update that is described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011 enforces more stringent checks on the validation of metafiles and of the records that they contain.

RESOLUTION

Windows XP service pack information

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

322389 How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack

Windows 2000 hotfix information

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.

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-Apr-2004  15:47  5.0.2195.6920  231,184  Gdi32.dll        
   26-Apr-2004  15:47  5.0.2195.6898   37,136  Mf3216.dll

Windows XP hotfix information

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 XP 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.

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.Windows XP
   Date         Time   Version            Size    File name   Service Pack
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------
   26-Apr-2004  17:27  5.1.2600.148      241,664  Gdi32.dll   None
   26-Apr-2004  17:27  5.1.2600.132       36,864  Mf3216.dll  None     
   24-Apr-2004  03:03  5.1.2600.1518     257,536  Gdi32.dll   SP1 
   24-Apr-2004  03:03  5.1.2600.1515      36,864  Mf3216.dll  SP1
Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2002 SP1
   Date         Time   Version        Size     File name    Platform
   ------------------------------------------------------------------
   24-Apr-2004  00:04  5.1.2600.1518  885,248  Gdi32.dll    IA-64
   24-Apr-2004  00:04  5.1.2600.1515  128,512  Mf3216.dll   IA-64
   24-Apr-2004  00:03  5.1.2600.1518  237,568  Wgdi32.dll   x86
   24-Apr-2004  00:03  5.1.2600.1515   36,864  Wmf3216.dll  x86

Windows Server 2003 hotfix information

A supported hotfix is not currently available for Windows Server 2003.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This problem was first corrected in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2.

MORE INFORMATION

This issue occurs with EMF image files that were created with the following software:
  • Adobe Illustrator 9
  • Adobe Illustrator 10
  • Adobe Illustrator CS
Note This problem does not occur with Windows Metafile Format (WMF) files except for WMF image files that are created by I-Grafx Designer. The WMF files that I-Grafx creates are actually EMF files.

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

For additional information about known issues that may occur when you install the security update that is described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

835732 MS04-011: Security Update for Microsoft Windows

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/15/2006
Keywords:kbWinXPsp2fix kbQFE kbWinXPpreSP2fix kbfix kbbug kbHotfixServer KB840997
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