GDI Subsystem Stops Responding (Hangs) and Returns Error Message in VGA Mode

ID: Q237780

The information in this article applies to:

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

SYMPTOMS

When you run a program that uses a Graphics Device Interface (GDI) subsystem on a computer running Windows NT 4.0 in VGA mode, the computer may stop responding (hang) and the following error message may be displayed:

Access to invalid address.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the GDI code directs two rectangles to converge in an empty intersection, and the two rectangles appear as a very large, single rectangle to the video adapter driver.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or the individual software update. For information on obtaining the latest service pack, please go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/servicepacks/

Q152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack

For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/overview/overview.asp

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kberrmsg kbgraphic ntsp kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 NT4SP6Fix
Version : winnt:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug