PRCV9108003: CPU Mode Switching May Cause Keyboard Problems

ID Number: Q75283

3.00 3.10 3.11 3.14

MS-DOS

buglist3.00 buglist3.10 buglist3.11 buglist3.14

Summary:

PROBLEM ID: CV9108003

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft DOS Extended CodeView (CV /X) versions 3.0, 3.1,

3.11, and 3.14, rapid CPU mode switching (from protected to real

mode) with heavy keyboard or disk activity may cause the keyboard to

behave strangely. For example, the keyboard may go into a shift-lock

state that highlights text and prints the keys as if one of the

shift keys is being held down. The behavior usually manifests itself

on slower processors such as the 80386sx and 80286. However, the

problem may occur on faster machines as well, depending on the

activity going on in CodeView.

CAUSE

One possible cause is rapidly scrolling through the source window

with the keyboard using either the ARROW keys for the PAGE UP or

PAGE DOWN keys. When CodeView cannot keep up with the CPU mode

switching, it may jump into the command window.

Another less common activity that may cause problems is floppy disk

drive activity. Any activity that cause hardware interrupts may cause

the behavior if CodeView cannot keep up with the CPU mode switches

along with the interrupts.

RESOLUTION/STATUS

Use a mouse to perform scrolling rather than the keyboard if

possible. If the keyboard seems to be in a shift-lock state, then

press both shift keys simultaneously to return to a normal state.

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in CodeView versions

3.0, 3.1, 3.11 and 3.14. We are researching this problem and will

post new information here as it becomes available.

Additional reference words: 3.00 3.10