Windows Server 2003 may not start when the Volume Shadow Copy Service is enabled

When you try to start a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer that has the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) enabled, the Windows Server 2003-based computer may not start.

This problem may occur if VSS is enabled, and the computer has many volumes. For example, this problem may occur if the computer has more than 150 volumes. In this scenario, a deadlock may occur in the Volsnap.sys driver.

Update information

The following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

Download the Update for Windows Server 2003 (KB931312) package now. (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=105F49F4-7FF4-4FF3-8339-F2F73B0F9E04)

Download the Update for Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems (KB931312) package now. (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=324E7694-3464-40E9-8F36-152BFAABF690)

Download the Update for Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition (KB931312) package now. (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=DF511B81-F600-4378-865C-E7DD7A05A598)

Release Date: June 26, 2007

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.

Prerequisites

To install this update, you must have Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 installed.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this update.

File information

The English version of this update 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, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods:

• Do not enable the Volume Shadow Copy Service.
• Do not use as many volumes on the computer.

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

For more information about the terms that are used to describe software updates, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: