WIN16 API GetFreeSpace Returns Zero on a Computer with More than 2 GB of Memory

ID: Q222515

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition with the /3gb switch set will return zero for the amount of memory available on the computer. This API is usually used by setup programs to determine if the computer meets minimal requirements for installing the software. Because the API will return zero if the /3gb switch is used, the setup application will fail.


CAUSE

The API uses a signed long and returns zero when the value is to large.


RESOLUTION

A supported fix that corrects this problem is now available from Microsoft, but it has not been fully regression tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. If you are not severely affected by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack that contains this fix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. 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
The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:

   Date      Time    Version      Size    File name     Platform
   -------------------------------------------------------------
   02/12/99  03:56p               85,696  Krnl386.exe   (x86)

NOTE: If this product was already installed on your computer when you purchased it from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and you need this fix, please call the Pay Per Incident number listed on the above Web site. If you contact Microsoft to obtain this fix, and if it is determined that you only require the fix you requested, no fee will be charged. However, if you request additional technical support, and if your no-charge technical support period has expired, or if you are not eligible for standard no-charge technical support, you may be charged a non-refundable fee.

For more information about eligibility for no-charge technical support, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Q154871 Determining If You Are Eligible for No-Charge Technical Support


STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition version 4.0 SP4.


MORE INFORMATION

If the amount of memory is equal to or greater than 2 gigabytes (GB), Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition returns 2 GB.

Additional query words: 


Keywords          : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 
Version           : winnt:4.0 SP4
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        : kbbug

Last Reviewed: July 2, 1999