Microsoft KB Archive/23270

Standard Approach for Developing TSRs ID Number Q23270

1.25-5.00 MS-DOS

Question: What are Microsoft’s recommendations or suggestions for a standard approach for memory resident routines, especially those routines that monitor keyboard inputs? I am not concerned with the use of the various interrupt vectors and function codes, but rather with the methods and procedures that would minimize the potential for crashes and program contentions caused by competing resident routines.

Response: Unfortunately, there is no standard approach for writing memory resident routines. All software developers program their Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) routines differently. Thus, to make a TSR work properly in all cases, it would have to be tested against all programs in the marketplace. However, Microsoft has assembled a set of guidelines. To obtain more information on these guidelines, please refer to the article “Moving Toward an Industry Standard for Developing TSRs” in the December 1986 issue of the Microsoft Systems Journal. If you do not have a copy of this journal, you can order a subscription or a single copy by writing to following address:

Circulation Department Microsoft Systems Journal 16011 NE 36th Box 97017 Redmond, WA 98073-9717