Multiprocessor Computer Hangs Under Stress Using Halsp.dll

 Last reviewed: August 13, 1997
Article ID: Q159111
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

During periods of high processor activity, a multiple processor system could appear to stop responding. Applications running on one or more of the available processors stop running.

CAUSE

A race condition existed involving a spinlock for the 8254 Programmable Interval Timer (PIT). Under some circumstances, this race condition deadlocks one or more processors on a multiprocessor system. This only affects multiprocessor computers running the Halsp.dll Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL).

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, install Windows NT 4.00 Service Pack 2.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. This problem has been corrected in the latest U.S. Service Pack for Windows NT version 4.00. For information on obtaining the Service Pack, query on the following word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (without the spaces): 

    S E R V P A C K

Additional query words: prodnt hang sp1
Keywords : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00.sp2 nthw NTSrvWkst kbhw
Version : 4.0
Platform : winnt

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Last reviewed: August 13, 1997
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