A Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1)-based computer seems to stop responding when the Lsass.exe process undergoes high memory and high CPU usage

When the Lsass.exe process undergoes high memory and high CPU usage on a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1)-based computer, the computer seems to stop responding. In this scenario, the Lsass.exe process also seems to stop responding to user authentication requests. You may notice that even though the computer seems to stop responding, you can still ping the computer.

This problem occurs because of a code defect in the NTLM authentication package.

To resolve this problem, download the hotfix that is described in Microsoft Knowledge Base article 939268. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This problem was first corrected in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2.

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

Technical support for x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows

If your hardware came with a Microsoft Windows x64 edition already installed, your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for the Windows x64 edition. In this case, your hardware manufacturer provides support because a Windows x64 edition was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the Windows x64 edition installation by using unique components. Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you need technical help with a Windows x64 edition. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware. If you purchased a Windows x64 edition such as a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 edition separately, contact Microsoft for technical support.

For product information about Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For product information about x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows Server 2003, visit the following Microsoft Web site: