mov bx, [VM_Id] ; virtual-machine identifier mov cx, [Flags] ; switch conditions mov dx, word ptr [Priority+2] mov si, word ptr [Priority] ; dx:si contains 32-bit priority boost mov es, seg [CallBack] mov di, offset [CallBack] ; es:di contains callback function address mov ax, 1685h ; Switch VMs and CallBack int 2Fh ; multiplex interrupt
Switch VMs and CallBack (Interrupt 2Fh Function 1685h) directs Windows to switch to a specific virtual machine and begin execution. After Windows switches, it calls the specified callback function allowing a device driver or TSR to access the data associated with the specified virtual machine. This function is typically used by MS-DOS device drivers and TSRs that support networks, and that need to perform functions in a specific virtual machine.
VM_Id
Identifies the virtual machine to switch to.
Flags
Specifies when to switch. This parameter is a combination of the following bit values.
Bit | Meaning |
0 | Set to 1 to wait until interrupts are enabled. |
1 | Set to 1 to wait until critical section is released. |
All other bits are reserved and must be 0.
Priority
Specifies the priority boost for the virtual machine. It can be one of the following values.
Value | Meaning |
Critical_Section_Boost | VM priority is boosted by this value when Begin_Critical_Section is called. |
Cur_Run_VM_Boost | Time-slice scheduler boosts each VM in turn by this value to force them to run for their allotted time slice. |
High_Pri_Device_Boost | Time critical operations that should not circumvent the critical section boost should use this boost. |
Low_Pri_Device_Boost | Used by virtual devices that need an event to be processed in a timely fashion but that are not extremely time critical. |
Reserved_High_Boost | Reserved; do not use. |
Reserved_Low_Boost | Reserved; do not use. |
Time_Critical_Boost | Events that must be processed even when another VM is in a critical section should use this boost. For example, VPICD uses this when simulating hardware interrupts. |
The DX register contains the high-order word, the SI register the low-order word.
CallBack
Points to the callback function.
Value | Meaning |
0001h | Invalid VM ID |
0002h | Invalid priority boost |
0003h | Invalid flags |
Windows calls the callback function as soon as the conditions specified by the Flags parameter are met. This may be before or after Switch VMs and CallBack returns.
The callback function can carry out any action, but must save and restore all registers it modifies. The function must execute an iret instruction to return to Windows. The priority for the virtual machine remains at the level specified by Priority until the callback function executes the iret instruction.
See also Interrupt 2Fh Function 1605h Windows Initialization Notification