ID Number: Q74445
3.00
WINDOWS
Summary:
Opening a file in compatibility mode is a very unfriendly action in a
multitasking environment such as Windows. There is never any need to
do this; compatibility mode provides support for old MS-DOS
(non-Windows) applications however it does not provide additional
functionality.
Use the following four guidelines for opening files:
1. Do not use the _lcreate function, it opens files in compatibility
mode. If it is necessary to create a file, immediately close the
file and then reopen it with the _lopen function.
2. Do not use the OF_SHARE_COMPAT option with the _lopen or OpenFile
functions. Instead, use one of the other OF_SHARE defines. If no
OF_SHARE value is specified, the file is opened in compatibility
mode.
3. When creating a file using MS-DOS interrupts 3Ch or 5Bh, after
creating the file, close it and then open it again. The create
leaves it in compatibility mode.
4. When opening a file (MS-DOS interrupts 3Dh or 6Ch), make sure that
the file is NOT opened in compatibility mode.
When specifying the open mode and share, do not request more access
than required. If a file will only be read, open it in read-only mode
EVEN IF EXCLUSIVE ACCESS IS REQUESTED. Do not lock out other access
unnecessarily. If an application will only read a file, allow other
applications to read the file as well.
Finally, be open to alternatives when opening a file. If a file is
being opened to display its contents and an open READ-ONLY, DENY-WRITE
fails, try an open READ-ONLY, DENY-NONE.
Additional reference words: 3.00 create open READ-ONLY share