Computer Hangs with Intensive 16-bit Code Running in a VDM

ID: Q174234

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0, Terminal Server Edition

SYMPTOMS

Users with multiprocessor computers may see their computer lock up completely when 16-bit operations are causing a heavy load on the system. The intensive 16-bit code running in a Virtual Dos Machine (VDM) causes all the processors to be in a waiting state trying to get or release a spinlock.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 4.

Additional query words: multi-processor multi processor multiple processor SBS edit.com slow ntvdm

Keywords : NT4SP4Fix kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00.sp4 nt16ap NTSrvWkst
Version : WinNT:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug