The Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 client closes a persistent connection to a Web server when you try to access a forbidden resource from the Web server that returns an HTTP 403 status code

Symptoms

When you try to use HTTP to access a forbidden resource from a Web server that returns an HTTP 403 status code, the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 client closes the persistent connection to the Web server. Because a new connection must be negotiated for the next request, this behavior may decrease the performance of the Web server and client.

Notes

• This behavior also occurs when you try to access the forbidden resource by using HTTPS. However, this behavior is by design when you use HTTPS. To view the resource, the client may have to reestablish a new HTTPS connection and re-authenticate to the Web server.

• This behavior only occurs when the Web server returns an HTTP 403 status code. The .NET Framework 2.0 client does not close the persistent connection when the Web server returns other status codes.

• This behavior does not occur when you use the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 or earlier versions of the .NET Framework.

Cause

This problem occurs because the .NET Framework 2.0 incorrectly responds to the HTTP 403 status code when the .NET Framework is not using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) HTTP communication.

Resolution

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it 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 .NET Framework 2.0 service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=supportNote 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.

Status

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

More Information

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

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates