BUG: GetMailSlotInfo Returns Incorrect lpNextSize Value

• Microsoft Win32 Software Development Kit (SDK), used with:
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • Microsoft Windows 98

SYMPTOMS

If you call the API GetMailSlotInfo under Windows 95 OEM Service Release 2 (OSR2) or Windows 98 without a Network Client installed, you receive an incorrect value (usually in the millions) or a negative number for the lpNextSize parameter. If you repeatedly call the function, it usually returns the correct value.

CAUSE

The problem occurs only when you do not have a Network Client installed. If any Network Client is installed, the API functions correctly.

RESOLUTION

Do one of the following to work around this problem:

• Install the Dial-Up Network Adapter on any system experiencing the problem. You do not need to set up the adapter. Just installing it will correct the problem.



• Put a loop around the GetMailSlotInfo call that continues to call it until lpNextSize returns a positive value that is within the limits of the mailslot information expected, or zero. However, this workaround causes a great deal of unnecessary processing and might affect the performance of other programs.



• Install Microsoft Network Client service by using Network Configuration in Control Panel.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

This problem only occurs under Windows 95 OEM Service Release 2 and later. GetMailSlotInfo works correctly on the original version of Windows 95 and Windows 95 with Service Pack 1 installed.

Step-by-Step Procedures

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.



2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs. The Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box appears.



3. Click the Windows Setup tab.



4. Under Components, select Communications.



5. Click Details. The Communications dialog box appears. Make sure Dial-Up Networking is selected.



6. Click OK to close the Communications dialog box, and then click OK to close the Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box.



7. You might be asked to insert your Windows installation disks or CD. Follow the instructions as they appear on the screen. At the end of the installation, Windows will ask you to restart your computer. After you have restarted your computer, the call to GetMailSlotInfo should work correctly.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbnetwork kbIPC kbSDKPlatform kbWinOS95bug kbWinOS98bug kbMailslot kbGrpNet
Version : WINDOWS:95
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbbug