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DFEP (Dell Feature Enhancement Pack) - Resource Exhaustion
I have a Latitude E5530, OEM configuration, Windows 7 64-bit, domain configured. Up until late last week, it was running fine.
The following is an excerpt from an e-mail with my account manager:
"I’ve performed an uninstall and reinstall of the DFEP to no avail. It takes about an hour of the machine being used before the DFEP application begins to leak and consume up to 2.5 GB of memory before the system truly becomes unusable. If caught beforehand, the application can be terminated and the DFEP service stopped. At this point, the hard drive is being continually thrashed. Once the DFEP application and service have been shutdown, the Windows built-in “services.exe” seems to start leaking (possibly the DFEP service not shutting down properly and continuing to leak) and seems to reach nearly 2GB of memory usage before correcting itself. It takes between 10 and 15 minutes for the last part of that process to complete and Windows to become usable again. As a last resort, we’ll wipe this laptop clean and reinstall everything; but, at this point, there doesn't seem to be any indicators of what is causing the DFEP to leak like this."
I am able to see (before the system becomes completely unusable) the memory usage of the DFEPapplication.exe. In addition, I am able to verify the release of that memory once the application is terminated in Task Manager. Windows is also registering a "Resource Exhaustion" event in the event logs naming DFEP as the primary consumer.
I will be running Process Explorer from the SysInternals suite to see if I can pinpoint exactly what service running under "services.exe" is consuming increasing amounts of memory during the final phase of the process.
Any assistance would be appreciated.
DELL-Warren B
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October 22nd, 2013 13:00
What version of DFEP is installed? The latest version is 2.2.1 and is available here -> http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER01410839M/1/System-Utilities_Application_MHVWP_WN_2.2.1_A00.EXE
jtbw911
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October 23rd, 2013 07:00
I am running the latest version of the DFEP. That is the exact file I downloaded and installed after this issue arose to verify that the latest version was installed.
EDIT: I have deduced that it only leaks when the primary user is logged in. If I log in using an Administrator account, this does not occur.
jtbw911
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October 28th, 2013 14:00
After wiping the laptop and restoring the Dell factory image, the issue persists. It is evident that this is not a Windows issue. My next step is to find out if there is anything in the user profile that may be causing this issue; however, without knowing EXACTLY what files and whatnot that the DFEP integrates with, interacts with, and/or requires, this is difficult. I am unable to find any AppData that could be deleted, nor any user settings pertaining to DFEP.
Any thoughts?
I am using Process Explorer to get a more in-depth look at the process; but, the only thing I am able to deduce is that is indeed the DFEPapplication.exe that is consuming massive amounts of memory.
DELL-Warren B
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October 29th, 2013 13:00
Does the issue go away when DFEP is uninstalled?
jtbw911
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October 29th, 2013 13:00
Yes. An uninstall of DFEP solves the issue.
DELL-Warren B
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October 29th, 2013 16:00
The challenge is that DFEP is now out of development due to redundancy with OS capabilities, and most likely won't be updated even if the root cause can be found. Is there a specific component of DFEP that you require?
jtbw911
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October 30th, 2013 06:00
I was under the impression, due to DFEP being installed by default and by it's description and documentation on the Dell website, that it was a required piece of software for normal and supported operation of the device. Gold Support has stated that that is no longer the case and recommended leaving it uninstalled permanently.
DELL-Warren B
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October 30th, 2013 12:00
that's correct. DFEP provides enhancements, that may or may not be needed in your environment. But it is not required software for the system to function properly.