virtual memory fragmentation error every hour on exch2000

[sposte]

This is Unity 4.2 in failover configuration. - all servers are Cisco HP .MCS-7845-H1-ECS1 all software is loaded from Cisco provided CD/DVD.

400+ users

Virtual memory fragmentation error logged every hour on the Message Store server:

On a computer that is running Microsoft Exchange Server 2000, both the following events are logged every hour:

Event ID: 9582

Event Type: Error

Event Source: MSExchangeIS

Event Category: Performance

Event ID: 9582

Description: The virtual memory necessary to run your Exchange server is fragmented in such a way that normal operation may begin to fail. It is highly recommended that you restart all Exchange services to correct this issue

We have installed the MS hotfix described in http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=883527.

but no change.

Any solutions? Remember this is running Cisco's provided win2000 standard server with Exch2000 and all the service packs and updates are in.

Regards,

Scott

[Ginger Dillon]

Hi Scott -

Just checking to see if your server is running with the /3GB switch in the boot.ini - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/266096/

Windows 2000 Standard does not support.

Ginger

[gpulos]

i've got the exact same error and symptoms since system was installed.

after following the update for the hotfix and still same symptoms, i opened a TAC case and they stated that i "should not worry about this issue; although it does give an error for what seems to be a problem, if you installed the hotfix, then it should be alright".

i told TAC OK but if an issue occurs, i would escalate the case immediately. i have kept a close eye since. i still get these messages but no symptoms of failure, delay, crashing, etc are experienced.

(i usually never settle for such a 'non definitive' answer from TAC but have not seen a single 'symptom' other than the message itself. no errors or other problems seen.)

[Aaron Harrison · Accepted solution]

There are some changes recommended for servers with >1gb memory running exchange...

I believe a main one is the 'HeapDecommitFreeBlockThreshold' key which should reduce memory fragmentation:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315407/

Also some others (you'll need to weed out the bits that don't apply to Exch2000).

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/815372/

You could try downloading the Exchange Best Practice analyzer from Microsoft to check over other settings on your servers...

Regards

Aaron

Please rate helpful posts..

[sposte]

I used the Cisco provided CD's which are win2000 standard server. This means you can't use the /3 gig switch (only on advanced).

I found a registry key which is modified by the Unity install app:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager key.

Double-click the HeapDeCommitFreeBlockThreshold value.

Change the value to 0x00040000 (262,144).

as per cisco article:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/sw/voicesw/ps2237/products_tech_note09186a0080231c91.shtml#partone

This registry change is not done in the Cisco platform load, so it does not get changed on a standalone exchange box.

We are applying this during the next service window so I will see if it rectifies the error.

Unfortunately I can't let this error slide even if it's not service affecting, since the customer is perceiving it as a critical error (it does state that exchange is on the verge of stopping).

regards,

Scott

[Aaron Harrison]

I'd try the Exchange BPA if you haven't already... it may throw up something you've not thought of...

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/downloads/2003/analyzers/default.mspx

Regards

Aaron

Please rate helpful posts...

[sposte]

The "HeapDecommitFreeBlockThreshold" regedit did resolve the problem.

It would be nice if Cisco documented this in a "Unity Failover for Voicemail Only" install guide.

live and learn,

Scott

[Aaron Harrison]

Good to hear it's sorted.

Aaron