Windows 3.0 File Search Logic Sequence

 Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
Article ID: Q57643
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a

SUMMARY

Microsoft Windows version 3.0 uses two file search logic sequences with slight differences. These are known as the KERNEL file search routine and the WIN386 file search routine. The WIN386 file search routine applies only to Windows/386 enhanced mode.

This information may be of assistance in debugging problems related to files not being found and/or incorrect files being found under Windows 3.0.

The WIN386 file open logic sequence is used for the following files 

   SYSTEM.INI
   Windows/386 "device=xxxx.386" in the [386ENH] section of the
      SYSTEM.INI
   SPART.PAR
   KRNL386.EXE
   WINSTART.BAT
   WIN386.PS2
   INSTANCE.386
whereas the KERNEL file open logic sequence is used for everything else, including all Windows applications that use the Windows OpenFile() call to open files.

MORE INFORMATION

The WIN386 Sequence

   If filespec has drive and/or path specified
      Then Open filespec
         If it fails, fail Open request
   Else
      {
      Search WINDIR (startup directory of WIN.COM)
      Search startup directory of WIN386.EXE
      Search Current Working Directory
      Search PATH
      If NOVELL
         Then Open filespec as given
      )
   Else Fail open request

The KERNEL Sequence

   If filespec has drive and/or path specified
      Then Open filespec
         If it fails, then fail Open request
   Else
      {
      Search Current Working Directory
      Search WINDIR (startup directory of WIN.COM)
      Search startup directory of KERNEL.EXE (KRNL286, KRNL386)
      Search PATH
      If NOVELL
         Then Open filespec as given
      )
   Else Fail open request

KBCategory: kbnetwork
KBSubcategory: win30
Additional reference words: 3.0 3.00 3.00a

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Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
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