Locking Problems Using DR DOS 6.0 EMM386.SYS

DocumentID: 614334
Revision Date: 29-Feb-96 1:36:29 PM

The information in this document applies to:
WordPerfect® 6.0 for DOS

Problem

Symptoms: Locking problems occur with DR DOS 6.0 when the EMM386.SYS driver serves as memory manager and the user runs WP 6.0. When any action that causes the launcher to invoke a DOS process (e.g., going to DOS, running Grammatik, etc.) occurs and then WP tries to swap back in, DR DOS will lock. For example, the user presses Ctrl+F1 (Go to DOS), then types exit at the DOS prompt to return to WP, and the system locks. Some users have reported system file damage, though this is unverified. This problem also occurs with Novell DOS 7.0 Solutions: Development is aware of this problem. One workaround for the problem is to run MEMMAX -U before starting WP 6.0. This option turns off upper memory access for all programs. Using the /DU startup option does not remedy the problem. Another workaround is to use a third-party memory manager instead of the DR DOS EMM386.SYS driver. Note: It has been verified that this problem does not occur with QEMM 6.x. The problem occurs because launcher is incompatible with the DR DOS EMM386.SYS upper memory feature. Upper memory must be disabled before running launcher (or any WP product that uses launcher for task swapping, such as Shell 4.0, Office 4.0, WP 6.0, PR 2.x, InForms, etc.) At the DOS prompt, run MEMMAX -U to disable the upper memory before running the WP product that is using launcher. After exiting, the WP product upper memory can be re-enabled using MEMMAX +U. A batch file could also be created to automate the process. To run WP 6.0, for example, you could use the following batch file: @ECHO OFF MEMMAX -U WP MEMMAX +U Another option is to include MEMMAX -U as the last command in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file (after all programs to be loaded high have been loaded). The above information is considered to be an answer to this problem. An STR is not required. Note: The DR DOS manual mentions that the lower and upper memory features may cause problems with some programs, and suggests disabling of the features when problems arise (such as the "Packed File Is Corrupt" error).

Answer:

Details:

Product specifications, packaging, technical support and information (*Specifications*) refer to theUnited States retail English version only. Specifications for other versions may vary. All Specifications, claims, features, representations, and/or comparisons provided are correct to the best of our knowledge of the date of publication, but are subject to change without notice.OUR MAXIMUM AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU AND THAT OF OUR DEALERS AND SUPPLIERS IS LIMITED. IT SHALL NOTEXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO ACCESS THE INFORMATION. SEE LEGAL DISCLAIMER.