Stack Overflow Error Message Appears for the Mshta.exe File When Multiple Modal Dialog Boxes Are Open (816362)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows Millennium Edition
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows 2000
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows XP
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5

SYMPTOMS

When you try to open multiple modal dialog boxes in Internet Explorer, or in Mshta.exe (an HTML program), you may receive a stack overflow error message.

CAUSE

This problem may occur if the number of modal dialog boxes exceeds the amount of memory (the stack file) that is permitted for modal dialog boxes.

This problem may occur more frequently in Mshta.exe because the stack file in Mshta.exe is smaller than the stack file in Internet Explorer.

RESOLUTION

A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem. This fix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Internet Explorer 6 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 about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The typical support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.


The English version of this fix has the file attributes (or later) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in coordinated universal time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel. 
Date         Time   Version        Size    File name
--------------------------------------------------
02-Apr-2003  17:48  6.0.2800.1182  24,576  Mshta.exe

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, reduce the number of modal dialog boxes that are open at the same time. Follow the prompt in each of the modal dialog boxes to close them.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.

MORE INFORMATION

Modal dialog boxes are message boxes that must be closed before you can continue working in the program where the modal dialog box appears. Frequently, a modal dialog box displays an error or alert message.

Note The hotfix that is provided in the "Resolution" section of this article increases the size of the stack file in Mshta.exe. However, the hotfix does not increase the size of the stack file in Internet Explorer. This problem may continue to occur after you apply this hotfix, but the hotfix reduces the frequency of this problem.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/10/2005
Keywords:kbHotfixServer kbQFE kbprb kbIE600sp2fix kbIE600preSP2fix kbfix kbbug KB816362
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