A system memory leak may occur when you play video media content that is encoded by the Windows Media Video 9 Advanced Profile codec in Windows Media Player 10 on a Windows Server 2003-based computer or on a Windows XP-based computer

Consider the following scenario:

• On a Windows Server 2003-based computer or on a Windows XP-based computer, you play video media content that is encoded by the Windows Media Video 9 Advanced Profile codec in Windows Media Player 10.
• You click Stop, and then you click Play several times in a row.

In this scenario, a system memory leak may occur.

When the system memory leak occurs, you may experience the following symptoms:

• In the system Performance Monitor tool (Perfmon.exe), the memory usage for the Wmplayer.exe process increases in a linear manner.
• In Windows Task Manager, the memory usage increases.

This problem occurs because the Windows Media Video 9 Advanced Profile codec does not release unused memory.

To resolve this problem if it occurs on a version of the Windows XP operating system, download the following package, and then install the hotfix on the computer:To resolve this problem if it occurs on a Windows Server 2003-based computer or on a Windows XP Professional x64-based computer, install the hotfix that is described in this article.

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 the problem described in this article. 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 do not have to 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, x64-based versions

Windows XP Professional x86 Edition with Service Pack 2

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

Technical support for x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows

If your hardware came with a Microsoft Windows x64 edition already installed, your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for the Windows x64 edition. In this case, your hardware manufacturer provides support because a Windows x64 edition was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the Windows x64 edition installation by using unique components. Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you must have technical help with a Windows x64 edition. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware. If you purchased a Windows x64 edition such as a Windows Server 2003 x64 edition separately, contact Microsoft for technical support.

For product information about Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For product information about x64-based versions of Windows Server 2003, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more information about the Windows Media Video 9 Advanced Profile codec, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: