FIX: A DateTime column that does not contain any data is incorrectly represented by a DateTime.MinValue field when a .NET Framework 2.0 DataSet object is deserialized on a client computer

When a Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 DataSet object is deserialized on a client computer, a DateTime column that contains no data is not represented by a DBNull object. Instead, the DateTime column is incorrectly represented by a DateTime.MinValue field.

This problem occurs when all the following conditions are true:

• The operating system on the server is set to a time zone that is ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
• You use the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 on the server to serialize a DataSet object that contains a DateTime column.
• The server version of the DateTime column in the DataSet object does not contain any data. Therefore, the DateTime column is represented by a DBNull object.
• The server version of the DateTime column is set to UnspecifiedLocal. This is the default setting.

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 .NET Framework 2.0 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.

Download information

The following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center. Download the appropriate file for the operating system.

x86-based operating system

Download the NDP20-KB916002-X86.exe package now. (http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/c/5/2c5bcdc9-3241-443a-9f96-4e0b0edfa727/ndp20-kb916002-x86.exe)

x64-based operating system

Download the NDP20-KB916002-X64.exe package now. (http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/3/9/d39c79df-4158-45df-9031-92c52ab0ed19/ndp20-kb916002-x64.exe)

Itanium architecture–based operating system

Download the NDP20-KB916002-IA64.exe package now. (http://download.microsoft.com/download/0/0/3/00392dd3-5b4f-4d99-94e8-6827b8f8d7ef/ndp20-kb916002-ia64.exe)

For more information about how to download Microsoft support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.

Hotfix file information

This hotfix contains only those files that are required to correct the problem that this article lists. This hotfix may not contain all the files that you must have to fully update a product to the latest build.

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

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