Express Messages Are Missing or Lost

Applies To: Windows Server 2008

Describes a specific problem with Message Queuing.

This problem typically occurs when sending messages using the express (non-recoverable) delivery method and the sending computer experiences a catastrophic failure causing the contents of the computer's memory to be lost. The express delivery method persists messages to memory only and is faster than the recoverable delivery method but is also susceptible to data loss. When a computer is sending Message Queuing messages and is using the express delivery method, if the computer experiences a catastrophic failure (such as loss of power) and is shut down, then any messages that are resident in memory are lost. Express message loss will also occur if the computer that is using the express delivery method is shut down normally.

Diagnosis

This problem occurs because Message Queuing messages that are earmarked for express delivery are stored in memory only and are not persisted to the hard drive.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, use recoverable or transactional messages to prevent message loss in the case of catastrophic failure.

Note

Only transactional messages provide a complete guarantee against data loss.

Verification

Resend recoverable or transactional messages when the Message Queuing computer is online again. Since recoverable and/or transactional messages are persisted to disk, the messages will be available for delivery when the Message Queuing computer is brought back online.

See Also

Concepts

Message Delivery Methods