Microsoft KB Archive/79041

= LANtastic and Zero-Length Files =

Article ID: 79041

Article Last Modified on 5/12/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft MS-DOS 3.3 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft MS-DOS 4.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft MS-DOS 4.01 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft MS-DOS 5.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft MS-DOS 5.0a
 * Microsoft MS-DOS 6.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft MS-DOS 6.2 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft MS-DOS 6.21 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft MS-DOS 6.22 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q79041



SUMMARY
When using the Artisoft LANtastic network operating system in conjunction with applications that use file control blocks (FCBs), zero-length files may result. Artisoft is aware of the problem and makes the following suggestions:


 * Use MS-DOS 3.3
 * Do not use applications that use FCBs
 * Do not open multiple files in applications that use FCBs



MORE INFORMATION
According to Artisoft, the zero-length files may result when an application that uses FCBs opens, references, and closes multiple files, but the server software still recognizes the files as being open.

FCBs are used in MS-DOS versions 1.x to maintain compatibility with CP/M. In later versions of MS-DOS, file handles are commonly used to access files rather than FCBs, although FCBs are still supported.

The LANtastic network supports multiple servers. For a workstation to act as a server, it must simply run the server software on top of MS-DOS. No proprietary operating system is needed.

The product included here is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the product's performance or reliability.

