If a process spawns high priority threads that are continuously in a runnable state, this process can dominate the computer and prevent the operating system from running. A properly configured Microsoft® SQL Server™ computer will not cause this problem. However, under some conditions, the operating system may appear to stop responding. For example, boosting the priority boost too high may drain resources from essential operating system and network functions, resulting in problems shutting down SQL Server or using other Microsoft Windows NT® tasks on the server. In general, you should leave priority boost setting at the default.
When pursuing an operating system hang problem, ensure that the SQL Server configuration settings mentioned above are at their default values. Then, if the operating system or application failure recurs, it should be pursued as a system layer problem.
| priority boost Option | sp_configure |
| Setting Configuration Options |