Microsoft KB Archive/57643

= Windows 3.0 File Search Logic Sequence =

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 &quot;device=xxxx.386&quot; 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.

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

Last Reviewed: November 21, 1994