GDI Subsystem Stops Responding (Hangs) and Returns Error Message in VGA Mode

ID: Q237780

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you run a program that uses a Graphics Device Interface (GDI) subsystem on a computer running Windows NT 4.0 in VGA mode, the computer may stop responding (hang) and the following error message may be displayed:

Access to invalid address.


CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the GDI code directs two rectangles to converge in an empty intersection, and the two rectangles appear as a very large, single rectangle to the video adapter driver.


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     Size        File name    Platform
   -----------------------------------------------------
   04/28/99   08:37p   1,243,184   Win32k.sys   x86
   04/28/99   08:33p   2,058,608   Win32k.sys   Alpha

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 the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

Additional query words: 


Keywords          : kberrmsg kbgraphic ntsp kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 NT4SP6Fix 
Version           : winnt:4.0
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        : kbbug

Last Reviewed: July 19, 1999