FIX: Error message when you try to run many "setuser" function calls at the same time on a computer that is running Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications in Windows Server 2003 R2: "Operation not permitted"

Consider the following scenario. You have a computer that is running Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications (SUA) in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2. You try to run many setuser function calls at the same time. In this scenario, you receive the following error message:

This problem occurs because of a race condition that may occur in the Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX) subsystem. If many setuser function calls are made at the same time, some setuser function calls may not receive sufficient rights to operate successfully.

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: Note 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 the following installed:

• One of the following service packs:
  • Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
  • Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  For more information about how to obtain the latest service pack for Windows Server 2003, 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
• SUA

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 R2, 32-bit versions

Windows Server 2003 R2, 64-bit versions

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: