Error status message from the ntfs.sys driver when some applications update very large files in Windows Server 2008 or in Windows Vista systems: "0xc0000427 STATUS_FILE_SYSTEM_LIMITATION"

When some applications update very large files (1 terabyte or 2 terabytes) in Windows Server 2008 or in Windows Vista, you may receive an error status message from the ntfs.sys driver. The error status message may resemble one of the following error status messages:For example, when you perform the dbcc checkdb action on a large database file, you may receive the following error message:

This problem occurs because the NT file system (NTFS) has reached the maximum number of extents. When the limitation is reached, NTFS returns the STATUS_FILE_SYSTEM_LIMITATION failure message.

Note An extent is a set of contiguous clusters on a volume. NTFS may allocate many extents to store a large file. All the extent information is saved in a file record in the master file table (MFT). If a file record is too small, NTFS allocates a secondary file record to store extent information. However, NTFS has a limited number of extents for a file. This limitation is defined by the maximum number of secondary file records of a file. The maximum extent number is reached when no additional secondary file record can be allocated to store extent information.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problemP1 that P2 described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problemP1 described in this article. 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.

Important Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 hotfixes are included in the same packages. However, only one of these products may be listed on the �Hotfix Request� page. To request the hotfix package that applies to both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, just select the product that is listed on the page.

Prerequisites

The following list contains prerequisites for the hotfix:

• Windows Vista Service Pack 1
• Or Windows Server 2008

Restart requirement

You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.

Registry information

To use one of the hotfixes in this package, 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 Vista and Windows Server 2008 file information note

The .manifest files and the .mum files that are installed in each environment are listed separately in the "Additional file information for Windows Server 2008 and for Windows Vista" section. These files and their associated .cat (security catalog) files are critical to maintaining the state of the updated component. The .cat files are signed with a Microsoft digital signature. The attributes of these security files are not listed.

For all supported x86-based versions of Windows Server 2008 and of Windows Vista

For all supported x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 and of Windows Vista

For all supported Itanium-based versions of Windows Server 2008

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

Additional file information for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista

Additional files for all supported x86-based versions of Windows Server 2008 and of Windows Vista

Additional files for all supported x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 and of Windows Vista

Additional files for all supported Itanium-based versions of Windows Server 2008

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