Invalid UDP Frames May Cause WINS to Terminate

• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

Invalid UDP frames directed to any computer running WINS raises an exception in WINS causing it to terminate silently. When WINS is no longer running, problems such as domain synchronization, browsing, or connectivity may occur. The event log may contain the following error message:

   Event ID: 4119
   Source  : WINS
   Type    : Error

   Description:

   WINS got a packet that has the wrong format (for example, a label may be
   more than 63 octets).

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the hotfix below, or wait for the next service pack.

Microsoft has updated Wins.exe to correct this problem. If WINS receives invalid frames, it logs the event mentioned above but it does not terminate unexpectedly.

NOTE: Service Pack 3 must be applied to Windows NT 4.0 prior to applying this fix.

This hotfix has been posted to the following Internet location:

   ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/bussys/winnt/winnt-public/fixes/usa/NT40/
   hotfixes-postSP3/winsupd-fix

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression-tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.