An XML-based application uses lots of memory when multiple threads call the SelectSingleNode method at the same time in Windows XP SP3, in Windows Vista, or in Windows Server 2008

Consider the following scenario in Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), in Windows Vista or in Windows Server 2008:

• You are running an XML-based application that uses Microsoft Core XML Services (MSXML) 6.0.
• The application is multithreaded.
• The application uses a FreeThreadedDOMDocument object in MSXML 6.0 to load an XML file in the main thread.
• The application creates multiple child threads that access the FreeThreadedDOMDocument object.
• These threads call the SelectSingleNode method at the same time.

In this scenario, the memory that is allocated by MSXML 6.0 increases quickly. Eventually, the application cannot create new child threads. Or, the application crashes, and then you receive an "out of memory" error message.

Hotfix information for Windows XP

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.

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, submit a request to 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, the computer must be running Windows XP Service Pack 3.

Restart requirement

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

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released 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 XP SP3, x86-based versions

Hotfix information for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008

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.

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

To apply this hotfix, the computer must be running one of the following:

• Windows Vista
• Windows Vista SP1
• Windows Server 2008

Restart requirement

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

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released 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 Vista and Windows Server 2008, x86-based versions

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2008, Itanium-based versions

To work around this issue, use the DOMDocument (single thread mode) object instead of the FreeThreadedDOMDocument object. However, this method may significantly affect the performance of the application.

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

For more information about MSXML, visit the following Microsoft Web site:For more information about the selectSingleNode method, visit the following Microsoft Web site:For more information about the DOMDocument object, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: