Recursive Batch File Causes System to Stop Responding

Last reviewed: May 12, 1997
Article ID: Q105851
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

SYMPTOMS

When the following batch file is run, your system may stop responding (hang) in about a minute:

   @rem Name this file "ntkiller.bat" and run!
   @title NT Killer v1.1 (c) Oxymoron 1993  DISTRIBUTE FREELY
   @start ntkiller.bat
   @start /b ntkiller.bat
   @exit

CAUSE

When an application that is started from the command prompt starts another application from the command prompt, memory corruption occurs and the system hangs.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT and Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1. This problem has been fixed in the latest U.S. Service Pack for Windows NT version 3.1. For information on obtaining this update, query on the following word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (without the spaces):

   S E R V P A C K


Additional query words: prodnt ntkiller.bat
Keywords : kbbug3.10 kbother ntgeneral
Version : 3.1
Platform : WINDOWS


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: May 12, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.