README.TXT: Using HIMEM.SYS

 Last reviewed: November 22, 1994
Article ID: Q76850
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows with Multimedia Extensions version 1.0

SUMMARY

The following information is contained in the Windows with Multimedia Extensions version 1.0 README.TXT file. The Setup program copies this file to the Windows with Multimedia Windows directory.

This information does not apply to later versions of Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

Using HIMEM.SYS

HIMEM.SYS is a driver required by Windows 3.0 for using extended memory. It must be included in your CONFIG.SYS file. The method HIMEM uses to access extended memory depends on your hardware.

When you boot your computer, HIMEM is loaded from your CONFIG.SYS file. After it is loaded, you will see a message like the following telling you the method HIMEM will use to access extended memory on your computer. 

  Installed A20 handler number X.
where X is 1 through 8 which corresponds to one of the following methods: 

      Number   Name               Computer type
  --------------------------------------------------------------
        1        at               ; IBM AT or 100% compatible.
        2        ps2              ; IBM PS/2
        3        ptlcascade       ; Phoenix Cascade BIOS
        4        hpvectra         ; HP Vectra (A & A+)
        5        att6300plus      ; AT&T 6300 Plus
        6        acer1100         ; Acer 1100
        7        toshiba          ; Toshiba 1600 & 1200XE
        8        wyse             ; Wyse 12.5 Mhz 286
If HIMEM does not work properly, you can try a different method. Specify the switch for your computer type on the device=HIMEM.SYS line in your CONFIG.SYS file. Computer type corresponds to either the number or the name of your computer from the table.

For example the following lines are equivalent: 

  device=c:\himem.sys /M:ps2
  device=c:\himem.sys /M:2
This entry forces HIMEM to use the IBM PS/2 A20 method for accessing extended memory.

KBCategory: kbref
KBSubcategory:
Additional reference words: MMWIN kbmm readme

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 22, 1994
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.