The Diskpart.exe tool returns error code 4 on a Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2-based computer that has a DVD-ROM drive or a CD-ROM drive installed

Consider the following scenario.

• A DVD-ROM drive or a CD-ROM drive is installed on a Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2-based computer.
• A physical disk hosts multiple volumes.
• You use the scripting function of the Diskpart.exe tool to modify volume attributes based on a script.

In this scenario, the Diskpart.exe tool may return error code 4.

Multiple instances of the Diskpart.exe tool may return different volume numbers. Therefore, the script may try to access the volume by using an incorrect volume number. If the script tries to change the attributes on a volume that does not support the scripted action, the script does not run correctly. For example, the script cannot modify the volume attributes on a CD-ROM drive.

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 Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 installed on the computer.

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 2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x64-based versions

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods.

Method 1

Keep the Virtual Disk service running. To do this, open the Disk Management Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in. Or, run the Diskpart.exe tool in the background.

Method 2

Remove the DVD-ROM drive or the CD-ROM drive from the computer if you do not require it.

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

Sample Diskpart.exe outputs

The following are sample outputs of the Diskpart.exe tool when this problem occurs.

Output 1

Output 2

Note In these samples, the CD-ROM drive is randomly returned at the beginning of the list or at the end of the list.

Scripting of the Diskpart.exe tool

The Diskpart.exe tool supports scripted operations. To start a Diskpart script, use the following command: You can script the Diskpart.exe tool in Windows XP environments, in Windows 2000 environments, in Remote Installation Services (RIS) unattended install environments, and in the Windows Preinstall Environment (PE) for OEMs. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

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