Error message when you use the Image.Save method to create a very large GIF file in Windows Server 2003 or in Windows XP: "System.Runtime.InteropServices.ExternalException: A generic error occurred in GDI+" (915415)

SYMPTOMS

Consider the following scenario. You have an application that is built by using the .NET Framework in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or in Microsoft Windows XP. This application uses the Graphics Device Interface (GDI+) API. You create a very large GIF file by using the Image.Save method. However, when you try to read this file from your application, you receive the following error message:

System.Runtime.InteropServices.ExternalException: A generic error occurred in GDI+.

For example, you receive this error message when you run code that is similar to the following:

      int iWidth  = 600;
      int iHeight = 2202;

      Bitmap oBitmap = new Bitmap(iWidth,iHeight, PixelFormat.Format24bppRgb);      
      oBitmap.Save("c:\\GifImage.Gif",ImageFormat.Gif);
      Image oBit2 = Bitmap.FromFile("c:\\GifImage.Gif");

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

To install this hotfix, you must be running one of the following operating systems:

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1
Windows Server 2003, Edition for Itanium-based Systems with Service Pack 1
Windows Server 2003, x64 Edition
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
Windows XP with Service Pack 1

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	SP requirement	Service branch
Gdiplus.dll	5.2.3790.2660	1,728,512	15-Mar-2006	15:33	x86	SP1	SP1QFE
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	397	15-Mar-2006	15:35	Not Applicable	SP1	SP1QFE
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	605	15-Mar-2006	15:35	Not Applicable	SP1	SP1QFE

Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions

File name	File version	File size	Date	Time	Platform	SP requirement
Gdiplus.dll	5.2.3790.2660	5,288,448	15-Mar-2006	16:58	IA-64	SP1
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	398	15-Mar-2006	16:58	Not Applicable	SP1
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	607	15-Mar-2006	16:58	Not Applicable	SP1
Gdiplus.dll	5.2.3790.2660	1,728,512	15-Mar-2006	16:58	x86	SP1
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	397	15-Mar-2006	16:58	Not Applicable	SP1
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	605	15-Mar-2006	16:58	Not Applicable	None

Windows, x64-based versions

File name	File version	File size	Date	Time	Platform	SP requirement
Gdiplus.dll	5.2.3790.2660	2,878,464	15-Mar-2006	16:58	x64	SP1
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	399	15-Mar-2006	16:58	Not Applicable	SP1
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	609	15-Mar-2006	16:58	Not Applicable	SP1
Gdiplus.dll	5.2.3790.2660	1,728,512	15-Mar-2006	16:58	x86	SP1
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	397	15-Mar-2006	16:58	Not Applicable	SP1
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	605	15-Mar-2006	16:58	Not Applicable	None

Windows XP, x86-based versions

File name	File version	File size	Date	Time	Platform	SP requirement	Service branch
Sxs.dll	5.1.2600.1579	700,928	20-Aug-2004	22:01	x86	SP1	SP1QFE
Gdiplus.dll	5.1.3102.1818	1,638,400	23-Mar-2006	05:10	x86	SP1	SP1QFE
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	397	23-Mar-2006	05:17	Not Applicable	SP1	SP1QFE
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	605	23-Mar-2006	05:17	Not Applicable	None	SP1QFE
Gdiplus.dll	5.1.3102.2873	1,720,320	23-Mar-2006	05:03	x86	SP2	SP2QFE
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	397	23-Mar-2006	05:15	Not Applicable	SP2	SP2QFE
Gdiplus.man	Not Applicable	605	23-Mar-2006	05:15	Not Applicable	None	SP2QFE

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