Creating Devices in SQL is Slow with Removable Media Installed

• Microsoft SQL Server versions 6.0, 6.5
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When creating a new device in an application, such as SQL Enterprise Manager (SEM), it may take several minutes to display the dialog box with the current available devices and/or may possibly time out.

CAUSE

If the computer has removable media, such as a removable floppy disk drive, and it is not connected at the time the new device is being created, the system times out when polling for available devices.

SQL Server makes a Win32 API call to GetDiskFreeSpace, which can take an extended period of time to determine if the media is currently loaded. Any other application that makes a call to GetDiskFreeSpace may experience the same behavior.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, perform one of the following:

• Before creating the device, re-connect the removable media, such as a removable floppy disk drive or a zip drive.

• If you are running SEM, you can increase the Query Timeout value by clicking the Tools Menu, then clicking Preferences, and then configure then the Connection tab.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbnetwork nt32ap NTSrvWkst
Version : winnt:3.5,3.51,4.0,6.0,6.5
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb