A "0x0000007E" Stop error occurs in Windows Server 2008 after you unmount and delete a persistent VSS snapshot

Consider the following scenario:

• You create a persistent Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) snapshot on a Windows Server 2008-based computer that is using Microsoft Multipath I/O (MPIO).
• You unmount and delete this persistent VSS snapshot.

In this scenario, Windows Server 2008 may be unexpectedly restarted. Additionally, you may receive an error that resembles the following: Notes

• The last three parameters in this Stop error message vary, depending on the actual configuration.
• Not all "STOP 0x0000007E" errors are caused by this problem.

The issue is caused by a Plug and Play race condition in the Mpio.sys module. When this issue occurs, Windows Server 2008 tries to use a null pointer to start a device.

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

There are no prerequisites.

Restart requirement

You have to 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 2008, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2008, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2008, Itanium-based versions

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