FIX: A .NET Framework application that uses the System.Net.WebRequest method very frequently experiences OutOfMemoryException errors

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SYMPTOMS

If you create an application by using the Microsoft .NET Framework, and the application uses the System.Net.WebRequest method very frequently, you experience an OutOfMemoryException error when you run the application.

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CAUSE

The .NET Framework uses the ServicePoint class to handle connections to the Internet. If the Web browser is configured to use a proxy server, only one ServicePoint connection object is created for all the connections for each application. However, if the computer is connected directly to the Internet, and the Web browser is not configured to use a proxy server, a ServicePoint connection object is created for each unique connection.

The System.Net namespace pins some memory to make a native call every time that the WebRequest object is invoked. However, the memory is not collected correctly when the ServicePoint object is disposed. If an application creates many ServicePoint objects, an OutOfMemoryException error occurs because the memory becomes fragmented in the unmanaged heap.

This problem may also occur if the computer is configured behind a proxy or a firewall that has a firewall client installed and the Web browser is not configured to use a proxy server.

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RESOLUTION

Software update information

A supported software update 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 software update may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 service pack that contains this software update.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the software update. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[LN];CNTACTMS (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;%5Bln%5D;cntactms)

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 do have to restart your computer after you apply this software update.

Software update replacement information

This software update does not replace any other software updates.

File information

The English version of this software update has the file attributes (or later) 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
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   23-Oct-2003  01:56  1.1.4322.962    258,048  Aspnet_isapi.dll
   23-Oct-2003  01:56  1.1.4322.962     20,480  Aspnet_regiis.exe
   23-Oct-2003  01:56  1.1.4322.962     32,768  Aspnet_state.exe
   23-Oct-2003  01:56  1.1.4322.962     32,768  Aspnet_wp.exe
   23-Oct-2003  01:47  1.1.4322.962     94,208  Perfcounter.dll
   23-Oct-2003  23:36  1.1.4322.962  1,220,608  System.dll
   23-Oct-2003  23:37  1.1.4322.962  1,253,376  System.web.dll
   23-Oct-2003  23:36  1.1.4322.962    241,664  System_messaging.dll
   23-Oct-2003  23:36  1.1.4322.962    323,584  System_runtime_remoting.dll
   23-Oct-2003  23:36  1.1.4322.962    131,072  System_runtime_serialization_formatters_soap.dll
   23-Oct-2003  23:36  1.1.4322.962    819,200  System_web_mobile.dll
   23-Oct-2003  23:36  1.1.4322.962    569,344  System_web_services.dll
   23-Oct-2003  23:37  1.1.4322.962  1,335,296  System_xml.dll
   16-May-2003  00:49                   33,522  Installpersistsqlstate.sql
   16-May-2003  00:49                   34,150  Installsqlstate.sql
   23-Oct-2003  01:51                   14,472  Webuivalidation.js

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