File corruption may occur when extensive stress tests are run on NTFS volumes on a Windows Server 2003-based computer (909360)

SYMPTOMS

When extensive stress test scenarios are run on NTFS file system volumes on a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer, file corruption may occur. This problem may only occur if the following extreme conditions are true at the same time during a stress test that is run for several hours:

The computer contains small NTFS volumes.
An NTFS volume on the computer is full or almost full.
Approximately 1,000 extend, create, or delete file operations are run at the same time.
The computer has multiple processors.

Note The problem that is described in this section is very unlikely to occur if the following conditions are true:

The computer has very large NTFS volumes. The problem that is described in this section has been reproduced on small NTFS volumes that range from 1 to 24 gigabytes (GB). As volumes become larger, the chance that this problem will occur significantly decreases.
Few delete, create, or extend operations occur.
Database reads and writes are limited to files that have already been allocated space on an NTFS volume.

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:

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

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You must restart the 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, 32-bit x86-based versions

   Date         Time   Version          Size  File name
   ----------------------------------------------------
   09-Nov-2005  01:02  5.2.3790.441  572,416  Ntfs.sys

Windows Server 2003, 64-bit Itanium-based versions

   Date         Time   Version            Size  File name
   ------------------------------------------------------
   09-Nov-2005  03:38  5.2.3790.441  1,696,256  Ntfs.sys

Windows Server 2003, 32-bit x86-based versions with Service Pack 1

   Date         Time   Version           Size  File name
   -----------------------------------------------------
   09-Nov-2005  02:10  5.2.3790.2566  589,824  Ntfs.sys

Windows Server 2003, 64-bit Itanium-based versions with Service Pack 1

   Date         Time   Version             Size  File name
   -------------------------------------------------------
   09-Nov-2005  03:38  5.2.3790.2566  1,874,432  Ntfs.sys

Windows Server 2003, 64-bit x64-based versions

   Date         Time   Version             Size  File name
   -------------------------------------------------------
   09-Nov-2005  03:38  5.2.3790.2566  1,121,280  Ntfs.sys

Note Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 is included in x64-based versions of Windows Server 2003.