A Windows Server 2003-based computer becomes unresponsive because of a memory manager trimming operation that is caused by an indeterminate module that requests lots of memory

A Windows Server 2003-based computer becomes unresponsive. This unresponsive time may last from several seconds to two minutes. During this time, all applications and services on the computer stop working.

When you monitor the working set size of a process, you may find that the working set size of the process decreases. This information indicates that the memory manager is trimming all processes on the computer to satisfy a large memory allocation request. Typically, the trimming operation is triggered by the following functions:

• MMAllocateContiguousMemory
• MmAllocateContiguousMemorySpecifyCache

Unfortunately, you cannot determine the driver or the module that triggers the memory allocation request operation to request the large amount of memory.

A hotfix is available to limit the number of trim operation per process to 8,192 pages.

Note Previously, the memory manager would try to trim one-quarter of the working set size of a process.

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

To apply this hotfix, you must have one of the following service packs installed:

• Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
• Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.

Registry information

You do not have to change the registry.

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 with SP1, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP1, IA64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, IA64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP1, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, x64-based versions

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: