When you try to shut down a Windows Server 2003-based computer that uses an NDIS network adapter in an iSCSI boot configuration, you experience a Stop error (902113)

SYMPTOMS

Consider the following scenario. A Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer uses an iSCSI boot configuration. This computer also uses a Network Driver Interface Specification (NDIS) network adapter to access the iSCSI boot disk. When you try to shut down the computer, you experience a Stop error. Additionally, debugging information is not written to a memory dump file as expected.

Note When this problem occurs, you may experience data corruption.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because of a bug in the NDIS driver (Ndis.sys). Because of this bug, NDIS devices are not included in the paging path when you use an iSCSI device to start the computer. Because the NDIS network adapter is not included in the paging path, the operating system does not recognize the network adapter as a critical device. Therefore, the network adapter may shut down while important I/O disk operations are still occurring.

In an iSCSI boot configuration, the network is of critical importance because the operating system files are available only at a network location. Additionally, these files can be accessed only by using the NDIS network adapter. Therefore, if the NDIS network adapter shuts down before Windows has finished accessing system files, you experience a Stop error, data corruption, or both.

Note Debugging information is typically written to the iSCSI disk. However, because the network adapter is no longer running, the iSCSI disk is unavailable.

RESOLUTION

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 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.

Prerequisites

You must be running Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) to apply this hotfix.

Note x64-based versions of Windows Server 2003 do not require this service pack to apply this hotfix.

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 file attributes) 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 Server 2003, x86-based versions

File name	File version	File size	Date	Time	Platform
Ndis.sys	5.2.3790.2617	187,392	13-Jan-2006	02:37	x86

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

File name	File version	File size	Date	Time	Platform
Ndis.sys	5.2.3790.2617	335,360	13-Jan-2006	03:57	x64

Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions

File name	File version	File size	Date	Time	Platform
Ndis.sys	5.2.3790.2617	574,464	13-Jan-2006	03:56	IA-64

MORE INFORMATION

For more 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

Technical support for Windows x64 editions

Your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for Microsoft Windows x64 editions. Your hardware manufacturer provides support because a Windows x64 edition was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the Windows x64 edition installation with unique components. Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you need technical help with your Windows x64 edition. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware.

For product information about Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx

For product information about Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 editions, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/x64/default.mspx