FIX: Internet Explorer 6 may stop responding when a DirectX filter task on a worker thread is completed before the main thread schedules all tasks (906953)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer (Programming) 6.0, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
    • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition

SYMPTOMS

When a DirectX filter task on a worker thread is completed before the main thread schedules all tasks, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 may stop responding (hang). For example, Internet Explorer 6 may stop responding when you start a custom application that uses DirectX transforms in Internet Explorer 6.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because of a synchronization issue. When the DirectX filter task on a worker thread is completed, the event handle for the completed task is overwritten with a new task. When the event handle is overwritten, the main thread does not receive a notification that the DirectX filter task finished.

RESOLUTION

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 Microsoft 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.

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.
  Date         Time   Version        Size     File name
  -------------------------------------------------------
  09-Sep-2005  17:42  6.3.2900.2756  205,312  Dxtrans.dll

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/26/2006
Keywords:kbprb kbfix kbbug kbQFE kbHotfixServer kbpubtypekc KB906953 kbAudDeveloper kbAudEndUser
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