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Programs that use the QueryPerformanceCounter function may perform poorly in Windows Server 2000, in Windows Server 2003, and in Windows XP

Article ID: 895980 - View products that this article applies to.

SYMPTOMS

In the following OS'es:
Windows Server 2000
Windows XP
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2000 guest O.S.
Windows XP guest O.S.
Windows Server 2003 guest O.S.

A program that uses the QueryPerformanceCounter function to query system time may perform poorly.

For example:

When you use the ping command to send Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) packets to a remote computer, the reply may show negative response times. For example, the following ping command may generate the following replies:

C:\>ping x.x.x.x

Pinging x.x.x.x with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from x.x.x.x: bytes=32 time=-59ms TTL=128
Reply from x.x.x.x: bytes=32 time=-59ms TTL=128
Reply from x.x.x.x: bytes=32 time=-59ms TTL=128
Reply from x.x.x.x: bytes=32 time=-59ms TTL=128

Also, if you use performance counters for Logical Disk or Physical Disk might incorrectly show a high latency value.

Note: This issue occurs on a computer that is running an x86-based version of Windows or an x64-based version of Windows.

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CAUSE

This problem occurs when the computer has the AMD Cool'n'Quiet technology (AMD dual cores) enabled in the BIOS or some Intel multi core processors. Multi core or multiprocessor systems may encounter Time Stamp Counter (TSC) drift when the time between different cores is not synchronized. The operating systems which use TSC as a timekeeping resource may experience the issue. Newer operating systems typically do not use the TSC by default if other timers are available in the system which can be used as a timekeeping source. Other available timers include the PM_Timer and the High Precision Event Timer (HPET).

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RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem check with the hardware vendor to see if a new driver/firmware update is available to fix the issue.

Note The driver installation may add the /usepmtimer switch in the Boot.ini file. This switch is discussed in the "Workaround" section.

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WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, update the BIOS on the computer. Or, modify the Boot.ini file to use the /usepmtimer switch. To do this, follow these steps:

Log on to the computer by using an account that has administrative credentials.
Click Start, click Run, type notepad c:\boot.ini, and then click OK.
In the Boot.ini file, a line that starts with "default" is located in the "[boot loader]" section. This line specifies the location of the default operating system. The line may appear as follows:
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
In the "[operating systems]" section, locate the line for the operating system that corresponds to the "default" line. For example, if the computer is running Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition, the line should resemble the following:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
At the end of the line, add a space, and then type /usepmtimer. The line should now resemble the following.
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn /usepmtimer
Save the file, and then exit Notepad.
Restart the computer.

The following is a sample Boot.ini file for a system that contains the /usepmtimer switch.

[boot loader]
timeout=0
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn /usepmtimer

Note The Boot.ini file is located in the root folder of the system drive.

Note: Using the /UsePmTimer setting may introduce a decrease in performance.

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MORE INFORMATION

For more information about ACPI and APCI hardware support, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

309283

(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309283/ )

HAL options after Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 Setup

Technical support for x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows

If your hardware came with a Microsoft Windows x64 edition already installed, your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for the Windows x64 edition. In this case, 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 by using 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 a 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. If you purchased a Windows x64 edition such as a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 edition separately, contact Microsoft for technical support.

For product information about Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx

(http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx)

For product information about x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows Server 2003, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/x64/editions.mspx

(http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/x64/editions.mspx)

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

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