Only one 32-bit service can print on a computer that is running a 64-bit version of Windows Server 2003 when multiple services are configured to run under one non-SYSTEM account

Consider the following scenario:

• Some 32-bit services are running on computer that is running a 64-bit version of Windows Server 2003.
• All these services are configured to run under one user account that is not the SYSTEM account.
• One of these services successfully prints a document.

In this scenario, other services that are running under the same user account cannot print any document. Additional investigation indicates that the CreateDC function fails, and the return value of this function is NULL.

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 the problem 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.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, the computer must run Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2.

Restart requirement

You do not have to 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 SP1, Itanium-based version

Windows Server 2003 SP2, Itanium-based version

Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP, x64-based version

Windows Server 2003 SP2 and Windows XP Service Pack 2, x64-based version

To work around the issue, run these services under the SYSTEM account.

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