FIX: The CLR cannot start the Dr. Watson tool to report errors or to generate dump files when a .NET Framework 2.0-based application process runs in an impersonated user context

A Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0-based application process is run in an impersonated user context. The impersonated user does not have the administrator permission for the operating system. When the process encounters an exception, the common language runtime (CLR) cannot start the Dr. Watson tool to report errors or to generate dump files.

This problem occurs because the CLR cannot obtain the process handle to start the Dr.Watson tool. The impersonated user is neither the owner of the process nor the administrator of the operating system. Therefore, the operating system does not allow the CLR to run the OpenProcess function to obtain the process handle.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, it is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may 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.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Prerequisites

You must have the .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack (SP2) or the .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 (SP1) installed to apply this hotfix.

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix if no instance of the .NET Framework is being used.

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.

For all x86-based versions of Windows Server 2000, of Windows Server 2003, and of Windows XP

For all x64-based versions of Windows Server 2000, Windows Server 2003, and of Windows XP

For all IA-64-based versions of Windows Server 2000, of Windows Server 2003, and of Windows XP

For all x86-based versions of Windows Vista SP2 and of Windows Server 2008 SP2

For all x64-based versions of Windows Vista SP2 and of Windows Server 2008 SP2

For all IA-64-based versions of Windows Vista SP2 and of Windows Server 2008 SP2

For all x86-based versions of Windows 7

For all x64-based versions of Windows 7 and of Windows Server 2008 R2

For all IA-64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 R2

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: