Using Automatic Configuration Causes GP Fault

ID: Q194944

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 4.0, 4.01 for Windows 3.1
Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 4.0, 4.01 for Windows NT 3.51

SYMPTOMS

When you use automatic configuration, you may receive a general protection (GP) fault error message. In some cases, you may receive any of the following error messages:

Application error GPF in Urlmon16.dll at XXXX:XXXX
Application error GPF in Compobj.dll at XXXX:XXXX"

This behavior may occur when all of the following conditions exist:

You start and quit Internet Explorer several times.
Internet Explorer is configured to use a Config.ins file located at an HTTP URL address.
Internet Explorer is configured to use a default home Web page at an HTTP URL address.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because Autoprox.dll does not correctly free resources when you quit 16-bit Internet Explorer. This keeps variables in memory that are not reinitialized the next time you start Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer then uses variables that were valid during the last session, but now cause GP faults.

RESOLUTION

A supported fix that corrects this problem is now available from Microsoft, but 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 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://support.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/default.asp

The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:

   File name      Size           Date
   --------------------------------------
   Autoprox.dll   41,984 bytes   09/17/98

NOTE: If you contact Microsoft to obtain this fix, a fee may be charged. This fee is refundable if it is determined that you only require the fix you requested. However, this fee is non-refundable if you request additional technical support, if your no-charge technical support period has expired, or if you are not eligible for standard no-charge technical support.

For more information about eligibility for no-charge technical support, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q154871
   TITLE:      Determining If Your Product Is Eligible for No-Charge
               Technical Support

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Internet Explorer 4.0 and 4.01 for Windows 3.1 and Windows NT 3.51.

Additional query words:

Keywords          : kbenv msient msiew31 gpf kbfixlist
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: March 20, 1999