Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:

  • You have a Windows Server 2008 cluster node.

  • The IsAlive function is executed on the cluster node while a file is being accessed in the root folder of the cluster disk.

In this scenario, a physical disk resource on the Windows Server 2008 cluster node may unexpectedly fail or go offline. This behavior occurs randomly.

Cause

When the IsAlive function is run while a file in the root folder of a Windows Server 2008 cluster node is being accessed, the logic of the IsAlive function is incorrect. For example, Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Exchange Server may store temporary files in the root folder, and these files are frequently created and deleted. If these temporary files are accessed while the IsAlive function is being called, the disk resource and any dependent resources may encounter a failed state. This triggers the cluster service restart logic.

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 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:

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.Important Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 hotfixes are included in the same packages. However, only one of these products may be listed on the “Hotfix Request” page. To request the hotfix package that applies to both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, just select the product that is listed on the page.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must have Windows Server 2008 and the Cluster service installed.

Restart requirement

You 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 2008, x86-based versions

File name

File version

File size

Date

Time

Platform

Package_1_for_kb953652~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,790

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_2_for_kb953652~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,784

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_for_kb953652_sc_0~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,409

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_for_kb953652_sc~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,422

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_for_kb953652_server_0~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,419

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_for_kb953652_server~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,430

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

X86_53fe3261a03e43dd8aa95996703ff1fe_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6001.22213_none_de30b779b658c033.manifest

Not Applicable

711

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

X86_microsoft-windows-f..overcluster-clusres_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6001.22213_none_c15c6eceb61e4def.manifest

Not Applicable

10,641

01-Jul-2008

05:52

Not Applicable

Clusres.dll

6.0.6001.22213

911,872

01-Jul-2008

03:55

x86

Windows Server 2008, x64-based versions

File name

File version

File size

Date

Time

Platform

Amd64_a6d13756db734344d66752cc50e907c4_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6001.22213_none_82e6b050109bf6cb.manifest

Not Applicable

715

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Amd64_microsoft-windows-f..overcluster-clusres_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6001.22213_none_1d7b0a526e7bbf25.manifest

Not Applicable

10,693

01-Jul-2008

08:45

Not Applicable

Package_1_for_kb953652~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,800

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_2_for_kb953652~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,794

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_for_kb953652_sc_0~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,417

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_for_kb953652_sc~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,430

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_for_kb953652_server_0~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,427

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_for_kb953652_server~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,438

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Clusres.dll

6.0.6001.22213

1,153,024

01-Jul-2008

06:48

x64

Windows Server 2008, IA-64 version

File name

File version

File size

Date

Time

Platform

Ia64_637da9d80a5af8524f93a54d4690e286_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6001.22213_none_469597f2c795f19c.manifest

Not Applicable

713

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Ia64_microsoft-windows-f..overcluster-clusres_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6001.22213_none_c15e12c4b61c56eb.manifest

Not Applicable

10,667

01-Jul-2008

05:17

Not Applicable

Package_1_for_kb953652~31bf3856ad364e35~ia64~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,795

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_for_kb953652_server_0~31bf3856ad364e35~ia64~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,423

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Package_for_kb953652_server~31bf3856ad364e35~ia64~~6.0.2.0.mum

Not Applicable

1,434

01-Jul-2008

18:03

Not Applicable

Clusres.dll

6.0.6001.22213

1,913,856

01-Jul-2008

04:12

IA-64

Status

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

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