Microsoft KB Archive/51169

System Parameters in COBOL 3.00 Must Be in the First 64K

PSS ID Number: Q51169 Article last modified on 01-05-1990

3.00 3.00a | 3.00 3.00a MS-DOS | OS/2

Summary: In Microsoft COBOL Version 3.00 or 3.00a, if a program is compiled using the compact large or huge memory model, it is possible to have more than 64K of data in a single COBOL program. When more than 64K of data is used in a COBOL 3.00 or 3.00a program, the “Run Time System” parameters must be in the first 64K of the DATA DIVISION. This is a design limitation and not a problem with the compiler. This limitation is documented in the “Microsoft COBOL Compiler Version 3.00: Operating Guide” on Page 9-39. This information applies to Microsoft COBOL Versions 3.00 and 3.00a for MS-DOS and MS OS/2.

More Information: “Run Time System” parameters are data items such as the following: 1. Parameters used in the CALL X&quot;&quot; routines 2. Filenames or variables that will hold a filename Things that are NOT system parameters are considered data items, such as the following: 1. Simple variables used to store data 2. An array or table 3. Variables that are not used in one of the CALL X&quot;&quot; special routines 4. Variables that are not passed to a DOS interrupt call using a CALL X&quot;&quot; routine 5. Variables that are not used by the COBOL run-time system itself such as the name of a file or variable that will hold a filename

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1990.