Microsoft KB Archive/39203

How Multiplan Determines Video Configuration PSS ID Number: Q39203 Article last modified on 01-10-1989 PSS database name: D_MPlan

4.00

MS-DOS

Summary:

The SETUP program does not copy a video driver to your disk if you have chosen one of the following from the SETUP menu:


 * 1) IBM monochrome
 * 2) IBM EGA
 * 3) IBM VGA
 * 4) Color Graphics Compatible

If you choose IBM CGA, SETUP copies CGASNOW.VID to the Program directory under the name SCREEN.VID. If you choose a Hercules card, SETUP copies the appropriate Hercules driver to the Program directory under the name SCREEN.VID.

More Information:

When you start Multiplan, an algorithm is employed to decide how the video configuration should be determined. The algorithm for the order of precedence in determining video display is as follows:

  Check for the MPVID environment variable and use the .VID for which the environment variable is set. For example, if the environment variable is set with MPVID=CGASNOW.VID, the program will not check to see what type of graphics card you have. It will use the CGASNOW.VID file in the program directory to help it address the screen.   If the environment variable is not set, look for the file named SCREEN.VID in the program directory. Use this file, if it exists.   If there is no .VID file in the program directory, run tests for each of the following configurations in the following order. When one of the tests comes back true, use the screen display routine that works for it. The configurations are as follows:   IBM VGA   IBM EGA   Color Graphics Compatible   IBM monochrome  </li></ol>

The README.DOC file on the Setup Disk advises you to copy all the .VID files to their directory, then take advantage of the MPVID environment variable to let Multiplan know which one to use. Also, the process works correctly if you copy the appropriate .VID file to the user directory under the name SCREEN.VID.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1989.