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Q223275: Computer Hangs Due to Large System Environment Variable Values

Article: Q223275
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): winnt:4.0,4.0 SP4
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbWinNT4sp6fix
Last Modified: 16-MAY-2002

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0, Terminal Server Edition 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 4.0, 4.0 SP4 
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 4.0, 4.0 SP4 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition versions 4.0, 4.0 SP4 
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SYMPTOMS
========

After adding an environment variable that contains a large number of bytes, the
computer will not restart.

CAUSE
=====

Certain process start up code for system processes (CSRSS, Autochk) were only
allowing 512 bytes of space for system variables, which caused memory to be
overwritten.

RESOLUTION
==========

Windows NT Server or Workstation 4.0
------------------------------------

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/

-or-

- 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://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS


Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
----------------------------------------------

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for 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 the Microsoft products that are
listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was first corrected in
Windows NT Server version 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 6.

MORE INFORMATION
================

The new files in this hotfix increase the number of bytes to 4,000. Users should
keep the total system environment variable size to 4,000 characters. This size
also included the variable name.


Additional query words: 4.00

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Keywords          : kbWinNT4sp6fix 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTW400sp4 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTSEntSearch kbWinNTSEnt400sp4 kbWinNTSEnt400 kbWinNTS400sp4 kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400 kbNTTermServ400 kbNTTermServSearch
Version           : winnt:4.0,4.0 SP4
Hardware          : ALPHA x86
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

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