How to Fix Sluggish Performance and Unresponsiveness Caused by a WebBrowser Control Application Memory Leak on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, or Windows Vista
Problem
Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, or Windows Vista devices that use a WebBrowser control application can start to run into significant memory allocation issues after prolonged use.
Oftentimes, your machine has worked well for a long time, but has suddenly become sluggish and unresponsive.
Restarting might provide some temporary relief, but the error will inevitably re-emerge once you use the WebBrowser control application again.
In Windows XP or Windows Server 2003, this means you have a memory leak in the Msctf.dll file.
Devices with this issue normally have the LoadIMM registry entry set to 1 in hexadecimal, which can be found under the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\IMM
In addition, your device will have the Turn off advanced text services check box selected under the Regional and Language Options in the Control Panel
Cause
Every new window created by the WebBrowser control application is allocated memory by the Msctf.dll file. Unfortunately, even closing the window does not free up that memory. Allocated memory builds up, and eventually uses most or all of your available memory. The problem can get especially bad if you are constantly opening and closing new windows through the WebBrowser control app.
Solution
Below are some easy troubleshooting steps that can help you fix this problem permanently. Solutions vary based on which version of Windows you use.
Windows XP
For Windows XP, you simply need to download a hotfix file and run it on your device.
Once you run it, a dialog box will guide you through step-by-step instructions for how to apply the fix. In most cases, the hotfix will correct your system automatically.
Click here to download the hotfix.
Beyond that, there are only two things to remember before running the hotfix:
- To be on the safe side, restart your computer before and after running the hotfix.
- The fix only works for Windows XP Service Pack 2. So, be sure to check which version of Windows XP you have installed on your machine before running.
Note: This hotfix will only work for this specific error.
Windows Server 2003
For Windows Server 2003, you simply need to download a hotfix file and run it on your device.
Once you run it, a dialog box will guide you through step-by-step instructions for how to apply the fix. In most cases, the hotfix will correct your system automatically.
Click here to download the hotfix.
If you want to download this hotfix in another language, you have that option as well. After clicking the link for download, you should see a form asking for your preferred language. Just enter the language you prefer, but be warned, the selection is somewhat limited.
Beyond that, there are only two things to remember before running the hotfix:
- To be on the safe side, restart your computer before and after running the hotfix.
- The fix only works for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later. So, be sure to check which version of Windows XP you have installed on your machine before running.
Note: This hotfix will only work for this specific error.
Windows Vista
For Windows Vista, updating to the latest Windows Vista Service Pack will fix the issue.
Click here to learn how to get the latest service pack for Windows Vista.
