Microsoft SQL Server 2005 query results may be incorrect on a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer

You have a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer on which you have installed Microsoft SQL Server 2005. When you use SQL Server 2005, you may find that query results are incorrect. When Windows Server 2003 tries to process write operations to sparse files, these write operations may be lost under some race conditions. Some applications that use NTFS file system sparse files may cause this problem. For example, SQL Server 2005 uses sparse files to implement a feature that is named database snapshots. These are copy-on-write replicas of databases. Lost writes to these replicas can cause incorrect query results. This problem is more likely to occur on high-end hardware. However, this hardware should be more reliable.

Note This problem may also occur on a Microsoft Windows Vista-based computer.

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 Windows Server 2003 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: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 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 item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003, 32-bit x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003, 32-bit x86-based versions with Service Pack 1

Windows Server 2003, 64-bit x64-based versions with Service Pack 1

Windows Server 2003, 64-bit Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003, 64-bit Itanium-based versions with Service Pack 1

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: