A long delay occurs when the Ntfs.sys driver tries to mount a large volume on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 SP2

On a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2), the Ntfs.sys driver takes a long time (several seconds to several minutes) to mount a volume when the size of the volume is large.

This issue causes a delay in volume arrival and in volume mounting. Because of this delay, applications and services may be unable to access the volume.

During the volume mounting process, the Ntfs.sys driver reads the $bitmap file to retrieve the number of free clusters in the current volume. If the volume size is large, the $bitmap file size will also be large. Because the Ntfs.sys driver reads the file by using the default cluster size, it requires a long time to read the file.

Note When the system is set to use the default cluster size, it reads the $bitmap file in small chunks.

A hotfix is available to resolve this issue. After you apply this hotfix, the Ntfs.sys driver reads the $bitmap file by using larger chunks, and this improves system performance.

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

To apply this hotfix, the computer must have 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 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 Server 2003 SP2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 SP2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 SP2 and Windows XP SP2, 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, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: