On a Windows Server 2003-based computer, registry-based policy settings are unexpectedly removed after a user logs on to the computer

On a Windows Server 2003-based computer, registry-based policy settings may be unexpectedly removed. This problem occurs after a user logs on to the computer. Or, the problem occurs when the policy settings are reapplied.

In addition, the following events are logged in the Application event log:

Event Type: Error
Event Source: Userenv
Event Category: None
Event ID: 1096
Date: date
Time: time
User: user
Computer: computer name
Description: Windows cannot access the registry policy file, C:\Documents and Settings\user name\ntuser.pol. (The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process. ).

Event Type: Error
Event Source: Userenv
Event Category: None
Event ID: 1043
Date: date
Time: time
User: user
Computer: computer name
Description: Windows cannot access the registry information at C:\Documents and Settings\user name\ntuser.pol. (The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process. )

This problem frequently occurs when a user uses the same user account in two Terminal sessions at the same time.

There is an open handle on the Ntuser.pol file when the registry-based policy settings are applied. In this case, the computer cannot parse the Ntuser.pol file. Therefore, the computer deletes the registry keys that are related to the policy settings.

After you apply this hotfix, Windows Server 2003 does not delete the corresponding registry keys when the computer cannot parse the Ntuser.pol file because of an open handle.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must have Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or Service Pack 2 installed on the computer.

Restart requirement

You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information

To use this hotfix, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

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 with SP1, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, x64-based versions

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

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: