Equation Editor Hangs on Multiprocessor Computers (163617)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
This article was previously published under Q163617

SYMPTOMS

If you run Equation Editor to insert an equation into a Microsoft Word document on a multiprocessor computer, the system may stop responding (hang) for a period of time (2 minutes or more) when you attempt to return to the container document.

When the computer begins to respond, you may see the following error message:
The action cannot be completed because unknown is busy. (switch to, retry, cancel).
Clicking Cancel causes the computer to stop responding again, and the following error message is displayed:
There is not enough memory to display or print the picture"
Finally, at this point, you are returned to the document.

Attempting to edit the equation again may result in the following error message:
Word cannot edit the Microsoft Equation 2.0
This problem does not occur on single processor computers.

CAUSE

There was an OLE problem in Windows NT 3.51 that could be exposed on multiprocessor computers by using Equation Editor to insert an equation into a Word document.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, perform one of the following:

  • Obtain and apply the hotfix described below
-or-

  • Upgrade to Windows NT 4.0

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.51. A supported fix is now available, but is not fully regression tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next service pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Product Support Services for more information.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/14/2003
Keywords:kbnetwork KB163617
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.