Error message when you run the SharePoint Products and Technologies Configuration Wizard on a Windows Server 2003-based computer: "Application has generated an exception that could not be handled"

On a Windows Server 2003-based computer that has Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 installed, you run the SharePoint Products and Technologies Configuration Wizard. However, when the wizard reaches task 6 of 8, you receive the following error message: You experience this problem after you apply hotfix 931908 on the computer.

When this problem occurs, the following event is logged in the Application log:

Event Type: Error
Event Source: SharePoint Products and Technologies Configuration Wizard
Event Category: None
Event ID: 104
Date: Date
Time: Time
User: N/A
Computer: ComputerName
Description:
Failed to register SharePoint features.
An exception of type System.AccessViolationException was thrown.

Additional exception information: Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
System.AccessViolationException: Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
at Microsoft.Win32.Win32Native.FindNextFile(SafeFindHandle hndFindFile, WIN32_FIND_DATA lpFindFileData)
at System.IO.Directory.InternalGetFileDirectoryNames(String path, String userPathOriginal, String searchPattern, Boolean includeFiles, Boolean includeDirs, SearchOption searchOption)
at System.IO.Directory.GetFiles(String path, String searchPattern, SearchOption searchOption)
at Microsoft.SharePoint.Administration.SPFeatureDefinitionCollection.ScanForFeaturesCore(Guid solid, Boolean fScanOnly, Boolean fForce, ArrayList& rgpathFailedFeatures)
at Microsoft.SharePoint.Administration.SPFeatureDefinitionCollection.ScanForFeatures(Guid solutionId, Boolean ScanOnly, Boolean force)
at Microsoft.SharePoint.PostSetupConfiguration.FeaturesTask.ScanAndInstallFeatures(SPFeatureDefinitionCollection featureDefinitionCollection, Guid solutionId)
at Microsoft.SharePoint.PostSetupConfiguration.FeaturesTask.Run()
at Microsoft.SharePoint.PostSetupConfiguration.TaskThread.ExecuteTask()

This problem occurs because of a defect in hotfix 931908. The system tries to free an object that has already been freed.

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 1 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 installed on the computer. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

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 1, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, Itanium-based versions

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

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, x64-based versions

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

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition with Service Pack 1

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition with Service Pack 2

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

For more information about hotfix 931908, 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:

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 must have 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 Windows Server 2003 x64 edition separately, contact Microsoft for technical support.

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