The Chkdsk.exe utility incorrectly identifies and resets security descriptors in Windows Server 2003 (913034)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems

SYMPTOMS

On a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer, consider the following scenario. You run the Chkdsk.exe utility in fix mode. You use the /f switch, the /x switch, or the /r switch with this command. In this scenario, you find that the access control lists (ACLs) on some files may revert to their default values.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because of an exception that occurs when the NTFS file system transaction log is full and when security descriptors are being updated. In this scenario, the security descriptors can be left in an incorrect state. If you then run Chkdsk again, this will cause the security descriptor entries to be reset to their default value of Full Control for the Administrators group and Full Control for the SYSTEM user account.

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.

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

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 item in Control Panel.Windows Server 2003, x86-based versions
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTimePlatform
Ntfs.sys5.2.3790.490572,92822-Feb-200601:27x86
Windows Server 2003, x86-based versions with Service Pack 1
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTimePlatform
Ntfs.sys5.2.3790.2644589,82422-Feb-200603:20x86
Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions with Service Pack 1
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTimePlatform
Ntfs.sys5.2.3790.26441,124,35221-Feb-200612:31x64
Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTimePlatform
Ntfs.sys5.2.3790.4901,695,74421-Feb-200612:26IA-64
Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions with Service Pack 1
File nameFile versionFile sizeDateTimePlatform
Ntfs.sys5.2.3790.26441,882,11221-Feb-200612:30IA-64

STATUS

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

MORE INFORMATION

The problem occurs because under certain circumstances the Chkdsk.exe utility incorrectly identifies security descriptors as corrupted and therefore resets them to the default value. Entries that resemble the following appear in the Chkdsk.exe utility log:
CHKDSK is verifying security descriptors (stage 3 of 3)...
Repairing the security file record segment.
Deleting an index entry with Id 8447 from index $SII of file 9.
Deleting an index entry with Id 31126 from index $SII of file 9.
Deleting an index entry with Id 50636 from index $SII of file 9.
Deleting an index entry with Id 31126 from index $SDH of file 9.
Deleting an index entry with Id 50636 from index $SDH of file 9.
Deleting an index entry with Id 8447 from index $SDH of file 9.
Replacing invalid security id with default security id for file 1461234.
Security descriptor verification completed.
Windows found problems with the file system.
Notes
  • This hotfix prevents future corruption. It does not fix existing corruption. Contact Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS) to help troubleshoot existing corruption.
  • The number of reported errors and the security IDs may vary. The index entry IDs and the file numbers may also vary. This problem may occur on large volumes with as many as 4,194,303 or more files.
For more information, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

831374 The CHKDSK utility incorrectly identifies and deletes in-use security descriptors

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/14/2006
Keywords:kbBug kbfix kbQFE kbhotfixserver kbpubtypekc KB913034 kbAudITPRO
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