Stop error message when multiple console applications are opened and closed within a short time frame on a Windows Server 2003-based computer: "0x000000F4"

Consider the following scenario:

• A Windows Server 2003 multiple-processor based computer is running under a heavy load.
• Multiple console applications are opened and closed within a short time frame.

In this scenario, this Windows Server 2003-based computer may unexpectedly crash in the Csrss.exe process. Additionally, you may receive the following Stop error:Notes

• The parameters in the Stop error message vary, depending on the computer's configuration. However, the first parameter is always 0x00000003.
• Not all 0x000000F4 Stop errors are caused by this problem.

This issue is caused by a timing issue that occurs when Windows Server 2003 initializes the console IME process.

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 be running Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information

To use this hotfix, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

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 SP1, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP1, IA64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, IA64-based versions

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

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