File sharing on the network is slower than expected in Windows Server 2003 SP1 (904160)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP1, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you use the GetFileAttributes function and the SetFileAttributes function frequently on many files, you notice that file sharing on the network is slower than expected in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1).

Note Windows Server 2003 SP1 is included in x64-based versions of Windows Server 2003.

CAUSE

The problem occurs because the locking mechanism for an NTFS file system queue is changed in Windows Server 2003 SP1. This change adds more overhead to NTFS. This added overhead causes the decrease in network performance.

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 Windows Server 2003 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: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 have Service Pack 1 for Windows Server 2003 installed to install this hotfix.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply the 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, 64-bit x64-based versions
   Date         Time   Version             Size  File name
   ----------------------------------------------------------
   18-Aug-2005  15:27  5.2.3790.2512  1,120,768  Ntfs.sys
   18-Aug-2005  15:27  5.2.3790.2512     43,008  Arpidfix.exe
Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems with Service Pack 1 (SP1)
   Date         Time   Version             Size  File name     Platform
   --------------------------------------------------------------------
   18-Aug-2005  15:26  5.2.3790.2512  1,872,896  Ntfs.sys
   18-Aug-2005  15:26  5.2.3790.2512     74,752  Arpidfix.exe  IA-64
Windows Server 2003, 32-bit versions with Service Pack 1 (SP1)
   Date         Time   Version           Size  File name
   --------------------------------------------------------
   19-Aug-2005  02:03  5.2.3790.2512  589,824  Ntfs.sys
   19-Aug-2005  01:38  5.2.3790.2512   32,256  Arpidfix.exe

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

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


Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/24/2006
Keywords:kbQFE kbHotfixServer kbBug kbfix kbpubtypekc KB904160 kbAudITPRO