VDS service returns an error status of 8000ffff to all requests in Windows Server 2003

On your Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer, the Virtual Disk service (VDS) returns the following error message in response to any command line request:

This problem may occur when an instance of the class that represents information about a group of disks for a specific provider becomes corrupted.

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

No prerequisites are required.

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) 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.

To work around this problem, restart the VDS service.

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

The VDS implements a single, uniform interface for managing disks. Each hardware vendor writes a VDS provider that translates general purpose VDS application programming interfaces (APIs) into specific instructions for that hardware vendor's hardware. With this abstraction layer that is provided by the VDS, Windows Server 2003 offers a more robust set of solutions, including greater flexibility for making long-term investment decisions about storage area networks (SANs) and about other storage options.

For additional information about Windows Server 2003 file services, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: