SBS + SQL 2005 + SharePoint = SQLVDI Error: Mutex not owned by caller.

On the last number of SBS 2K3 R2 Premium setups we have done, we are seeing the following error:

Critical Errors in Application Log

SQLVDI Event ID: 1
SQLVDI: Loc=DVDSCleanup. Desc=Release(ClientAliveMutex). ErrorCode=(288)Attempt to release mutex not owned by caller. .Process=7364. Thread=6900. Client. Instance=SHAREPOINT. VD=.

The SQL 2005 version on the SBS boxes: 9.00.3054.00. They are currently up to date on their service pack levels.

A quick search turned up the following Microsoft KB article: KB934396 FIX: Error messages and an event may be logged when you use the Virtual Device Interface in SQL Server 2005 or in SQL Server 2000.

We needed to call into Product Support Services for this one:

Microsoft Product Support Services Phone Numbers for North America

All SQL instances must be at Service Pack 2 level before applying this hotfix. If you need to determine what service pack level the SQL install is: MS KB321185: How to identify your SQL Server version and edition.

Please note that there are two versions for the hotfix: x86 and x64. And, deep in mind that the hotfix covers a lot:

Hotfix 934396 x86 File for SQL 2005

Because it is a one size fits all, the x86 download is around 100MB and the x64 download is 139MB. We always request both versions if they exist for any hotfix we are calling in for. Doing this has saved us a further call into PSS for the alternate version on many occasions.

Once the files have been extracted, they definitely need to be placed on the Technician's Thumb Drive for later access.

And, if this is a problem that we see on a regular basis on all of our new SBS 2K3 R2 Premium boxes, then we will be adding this blog post as a To Do item on our SBS Setup Checklist.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists

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