Loss of Connection with Node Persists Until Node Is Restarted

ID: Q238009

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 4.0, 4.0 SP4, 4.0 SP5
Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition versions 4.0, 4.0 SP4, 4.0 SP5

SYMPTOMS

When you use Microsoft Cluster Server (MSCS) and one node loses its connection with another node, subsequent attempts to re-establish the connection may not be successful until the second node is restarted. Note that the second node can be either a cluster node or a sponsor node.

This behavior may also occur when you install a cluster node to join a sponsor node and you cannot establish the connection on the first attempt. When the initial join does not complete, all subsequent attempts to join the sponsor node are also unsuccessful until you restart the sponsor mode.

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 Windows NT 4.0. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6.

MORE INFORMATION

The primary issue of this behavior is the join (connection) on the second node. Although the occurrence of this behavior is rare, it can occur potentially every time a connection between nodes is unsuccessful or stops, and an attempt is made to re-establish the connection.

The operating system on the first node is not critical in this situation, you can use any operating system that supports Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition. However, you must apply Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6 or later on the operating system of the second node.

For more information about MSCS and other features of Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/ntserver/ntserverenterprise/default.asp

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbinterop kbnetwork ntsp kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 NT4SP6Fix
Version : winnt:4.0,4.0 SP4,4.0 SP5
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug