High CPU usage shuts down the server

[davidlfliang]

I posted this message in Filemaker forum first, but received no response. I hope someone here may help me.

We have web server running Windows 2000, Lasso 3.6.5 and Filemaker unlimited pro 5.0

Just started from last Tuesday morning, it has a very strange and serious problem. This server will run some scheduled tasks at midnight, some tasks are pretty lengthy, it may take fileMaker unlimited to run 5 or 6 minutes to get the task done. Everything worked fine until this Tuesday. The server shuts itself down when it encounters these lengthy operations.

Because the task are scheduled at 2 am, then I checked server Event log, event ID 6008, error message
"The previous system shutdown at 2:01:27 AM on 4/7/2003 was unexpected" is reported. It measn the script runs around 1 minute and then crashed the server.

This Filemaker script itself has nothing to do the shutting down the system. The same script and system has run almost 6 months without any problem before.

Then, when I tried to run the script manually, it causes the sevever shut down in front of me as well. Normally, 1 or 2 minutes after the script started. I opened the task manager to view the CPU Usage. Then, I found as long as these lengthy scripts stared, the CPU usage will jump to 100% easily and stay at 100% level. Sometimes, it may fall down a little bit to 97% or so. Then, the problem is as long as it stays at 100% for a relatively long time (say 15 seconds), then it shuts down the server(even the power got switched off).

Is there anyone can help me out on this matter?

Thanks in advance.
David Liang

P.S. I also used another machine ( less memory and lower speed of CPU) to run the same script, 100% CPU usage happens too, but doesn't crash that server. Does this mean my web server has got some hardware problems?

But, if there is no scheduled heavy load operation, the server can run very well without shutting down itself.

Also, it happens a few times, if I use manual way ( run the length script directly), the server will shut down ( power got switched off ). Then, when I tried to turn the power switch on, the power only on for few seconds, then switched off again. I have to retry for a number of times, then power is back on as normal. The server will run properly until the lenghty operation starts again.

 

[bluewhaleCA]

I don't know the program, however if you can duplicate the shut down by running the script manually then the script IS the problem.
Does your server use Microsofts automatic updates?
You mentioned the system log, but how about the application log audits?

As you've found the ' cause ' of the shut downs, myself I would contact tech support for the script and the programs it calls and see if their databases have anything.

One other thought: any memory dump? If so, you might be able to get something from that.

good luck

Paul

 

[wcburton]

I would look at either a failing or overloaded power supply or a heat problem. You could probably duplicate a 100% CPU load by running a 3D OpenGL screen saver for a few minutes. That would generate heat on the processor but not however duplicate the disk load for power consumption.

Heat could be a poor thermal connection on the heatsink or a failing or dirty cooling fan.