A system state backup operation fails on a Windows Server 2003-based computer if the computer belongs to a site that uses high latency WAN links

Consider the following scenario:

• You back up the system state on a Windows Server 2003-based computer by using the Volume Shadow Copy Service.
• This computer belongs to a site that uses high latency WAN links.

In this scenario, the backup operation may fail. Additionally, you receive the following error message:

Multiple Volume Shadow Copy Service components initialize their security settings during the backup process. During the initializing process, Volume Shadow Copy Service components may recur into different groups to enumerate members in the Administrators group and the Backup Operator group. This behavior causes a long delay in the high latency WAN environment. Eventually, timeouts occur in various VSS components. Therefore, the backup operation fails.

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 have Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 installed.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.

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 Service Pack 1, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP, x64-based versions

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

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

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