A GDI object handle is leaked on a Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2-based computer when you print a rotated picture by using Internet Explorer

On a Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2-based computer, a GDI object handle is leaked every time that you print a rotated picture by using Internet Explorer. The leaked handles increase if you frequently print the rotated picture. Over time, when you print the rotated picture, the picture is not rotated as expected in the print output.

This problem occurs because the Win32k.sys driver incorrectly manages GDI object handles. A GDI object handle is not released during the print 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 Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 installed on the computer. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Restart requirement

You must restart the 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 with Service Pack 2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x64-based versions

To work around this problem, restart Internet Explorer.

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

Steps to reproduce this problem

1. Right-click the taskbar, and then click Task Manager.
2. On the View menu, click Select Columns.
3. Click to select the GDI Objects check box, and then click OK.
4. Print a rotated picture in Internet Explorer.
5. Check the GDI Objects value for the Iexplore.exe process. The GDI Objects value increases by 1 after you print the rotated picture.

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