Symptoms
On a multiprocessor computer that is running Windows Server 2003, the System process may consume most of the available system memory. When this problem occurs, applications, services, or the whole computer may run poorly.
Note This problem does not occur on a single-processor computer that is running Windows Server 2003.
Cause
This problem occurs because the memory manager incorrectly excludes the System process from the working set trim candidate list. Therefore, the memory that is allocated for the System process cannot be trimmed.
Resolution
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:
http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=supportNote 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 1 or 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:
889100 How to obtain the latest service pack for Windows Server 2003
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 1, x86-based versions
|
File name |
File version |
File size |
Date |
Time |
Platform |
SP requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ntkrnlmp.exe |
5.2.3790.3025 |
2,463,744 |
12-Oct-2007 |
13:29 |
Not Applicable |
SP1 |
|
Ntkrpamp.exe |
5.2.3790.3025 |
2,316,288 |
12-Oct-2007 |
12:07 |
Not Applicable |
SP1 |
Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x86-based versions
|
File name |
File version |
File size |
Date |
Time |
Platform |
SP requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ntkrnlmp.exe |
5.2.3790.4169 |
2,492,928 |
12-Oct-2007 |
13:42 |
Not Applicable |
SP2 |
|
Ntkrpamp.exe |
5.2.3790.4169 |
2,344,448 |
12-Oct-2007 |
12:47 |
Not Applicable |
SP2 |
Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, Itanium-based versions
|
File name |
File version |
File size |
Date |
Time |
Platform |
SP requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ntdll.dll |
5.2.3790.3025 |
1,636,864 |
15-Oct-2007 |
04:37 |
IA-64 |
SP1 |
|
Ntkrnlmp.exe |
5.2.3790.3025 |
6,526,464 |
15-Oct-2007 |
04:37 |
IA-64 |
SP1 |
Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, Itanium-based versions
|
File name |
File version |
File size |
Date |
Time |
Platform |
SP requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ntdll.dll |
5.2.3790.4169 |
1,636,864 |
15-Oct-2007 |
05:00 |
IA-64 |
SP2 |
|
Ntkrnlmp.exe |
5.2.3790.4169 |
6,560,768 |
15-Oct-2007 |
05:00 |
IA-64 |
SP2 |
Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions
|
File name |
File version |
File size |
Date |
Time |
Platform |
SP requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hal.dll |
5.2.3790.3024 |
280,064 |
15-Oct-2007 |
04:37 |
x64 |
SP1 |
|
Ntkrnlmp.exe |
5.2.3790.3024 |
4,635,648 |
15-Oct-2007 |
04:37 |
x64 |
SP1 |
Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x64-based versions
|
File name |
File version |
File size |
Date |
Time |
Platform |
SP requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hal.dll |
5.2.3790.4169 |
280,064 |
15-Oct-2007 |
04:58 |
x64 |
SP2 |
|
Ntkrnlmp.exe |
5.2.3790.4169 |
4,593,152 |
15-Oct-2007 |
04:58 |
x64 |
SP2 |
Status
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.
More Information
To check the memory usage of the System process, follow these steps:
-
Right-click the taskbar, and then click Task Manager.
-
Click the Processes tab.
-
Find the System process, and then examine the values in the Mem Usage column.
For more information about software update terminology, 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
