On a computer that is running Windows XP, GDI object handles become leaked when you run a multithreaded application that uses a GDI object

On a computer that is running Windows XP, you are running an application that uses a graphics device interface (GDI) object. When you drag another window in front of the application window repeatedly, the GDI object handles become leaked. When this occurs, you may experience the following symptoms:

• The count of GDI Region objects continually increases.
  Note You can use the GDIView.exe tool to view GDI objects.
• The application becomes unstable.
• The application does not work correctly if the GDI handle count reaches the quota for each process.

This issue occurs if the following conditions are true:

• The application is multithreaded.
• The computer uses multiple processors. Or, hyper-threading is enabled.
• The Show window contents while dragging option is enabled in the display settings.

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.

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, submit a request to 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, the computer must have Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows XP Service Pack 3 installed.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any previously released 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 XP SP2, x86-based versions

Windows XP SP3, x86-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 GDIView.exe, visit the following Nirsoft Web site:For more information about GDI objects, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: