DOCERR: Extended Keyboard Detection Is Documented Incorrectly

Last reviewed: November 3, 1994
Article ID: Q79210

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Macro Assembler for MS-DOS, versions 6.0, 6.0a, and 6.0b
Microsoft Macro Assembler for OS/2, versions 6.0, 6.0a, and 6.0b

SYMPTOMS

When using the Microsoft Macro Assembler (MASM) version 6.0, the online help contains a documentation error when describing how to detect an extended keyboard. The entry reads:

   0000:0496  1 word  If bit 5 set, indicates extended keyboard
                      installed.

In general, the "Microsoft Macro Assembler Programmer's Guide" for version 6.0 refers to the low order bit as bit 0. Therefore, the user is led to believe that if the bit corresponding to decimal value 32 is set (bit 5), then there is an extended keyboard installed.

RESOLUTION

The bit that should be checked is the one corresponding to decimal 16, or bit 4.

MORE INFORMATION

To reach this help screen:

Enter QuickHelp by typing QH at the MS-DOS prompt.

2. Choose "MASM 6.00 Language" from the Categories menu. 3. From the System Resources box, choose "BIOS Calls." 4. Select "16h - Keyboard Services." 5. Choose "Keyboard Data Memory" from the "See Also" list. 6. Scroll down to the end of this screen.

The error is contained in the last entry of the list.

Additional reference words: 6.00 6.00a 6.00b
KBCategory: kbprg kbdocerr
KBSubcategory:

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Last reviewed: November 3, 1994
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