ShareWare OnLine 2/ShareWare OnLine Volume 2 (CMS Software)(1993).iso/infor/dosref.zip/DOSREF22

Text File | 1993-03-19 | 846KB | 16,302 lines

       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams
                        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                        │ Shareware Version, 03/16/92 │
                        │  Please Register Your Copy  │
                        └─────────────────────────────┘


  /* This work is registered directly with the copyright offices of the     */
  /* United States and of the United Kingdom, and indirectly in many other  */
  /* nations via the conventions the above are signatory to.                */
  /*           Generous licensing terms are available on inquiry.           */



                            I N T R O D U C T I O N


 This book is a technical reference. It is NOT a tutorial. Hopefully, this
book is what you'll reach for when you want find out what Peter Norton or the
"official" references glossed over.

 This manual is intended to replace the various (expensive) references needed
to program for the DOS environment, that stack of magazines threatening to take
over your work area, and those odd tables and charts you can never find when
you need them.

 The various Microsoft and IBM publications and references don't always have
the same information. This has caused some consternation about the
"undocumented" features to be found in DOS. In general, if a call doesn't
appear in the IBM DOS Technical Reference it is considered "undocumented"
although it may be documented by other OEMs or by later Microsoft tech
bulletins.

 The information here is valid for DOS 2.x through 5.x. Where there are
differences between the two versions there are notes in the text. No great
effort was expended on DOS 1.x.

 When I started writing this book, it was originally for my own personal use.
Then I began expanding it with the idea of getting it published, since at that
time there was *nothing* in print like it. (late 1987) If I had managed to
send it off to the publishers early enough, I would have had it made. As it
was I lost six months having a nice steel rod put in my leg after being run
over by a drug addict in an uninsured car, and half a dozen similar books were
published by then, and nobody was interested in mine. Six months is a long
time in the PC world.

 That's why I'm uploading this file as "user-supported." It gives me a chance
to recoup a few bucks for the time I've been working on this thing, and it
gives some advantages that a printed book can't - first, you can load it on
your hard disk and use Vern Buerg's LIST or SideKick to scan through text. You
can grab a piece of something and paste it into a document, etc. If you help
support the Reference you will always have the latest version available; you
can't "upgrade" books.

 A project this size takes a LOT of time and effort. I've tried to verify as
much of the information I've received as I could, but there's just too much for
absolute certainty.  The TechRef has been in the hands of some heavy-duty code
jockeys for a couple of years now with very few bug reports, though.

 If you find any typos, incorrect information, or want to see something else,
let me know. If you have any more detailed information on something, PLEASE let
me know!

                                                        Dave Williams



                         D  I  S  C  L  A  I  M  E  R

<sigh>

 As is common these days, I have to make a "Notice of Disclaimer". I take no
responsibility for anything, and if anything you do with this book ruins you
for life or makes your dog bite you, or anything else, that's just tough.

 I hope you find much use for this reference. It was a trip to write, too.

                                                        Dave Williams

                                                  (C) Copyright 1987, 1992

/* note: the above disclaimer is being used as an example in the University */
/*       of Texas' School of Law. Whether good or bad, my respondent didn't */
/*       say...                                                             */


______________________________________________________________________________

Copyrights and trademarks:

(3COM Corporation)
 3COM, Etherlink

(Allied Telephone and Telegraph)
 UNIX, AT&T

(Artisoft)
 LANtastic

(AST Corporation)
 AST, RAMpage!

(Atari Computer)
 Atari, ST, TOS

(Borland)
 Borland, Turbo C, Turbo Pascal, Turbo Lightning, Turbo Assembler, SideKick

(Commodore Business Machines)
 Amiga 2000, Bridge Board

(Compaq Computer Corp.)
 Compaq, Deskpro

(Cordata Computer)
 Corona, Cordata

(Cove Software)
 CED, PCED

(Digital Equipment Company)
 DEC, Rainbow, DECMate, DOS    (uh... yeah. DEC owns the trademark to 'DOS')

(Fox Research, Inc.)
 10-Net

(Graphic Software Systems)
 GSS, DGIS

(Hayes)
 Smartmodem

(Hercules Computer Technology)
 Hercules, HGC, Hercules Graphics Card Plus, InColor Card

(IBM Corp.)
 IBM, PC, PCjr, PC/XT, PC/AT, XT/286, PS/2, TopView, Micro Channel, 3270 PC,
 RT PC, Token Ring, OS/2

(Intel Corp.)
 Intel, iAPX286, iAPX386, LIM EMS, Communicating Applications Standard (CAS)

(Logitech, Inc)
 Logitech, Logimouse

(Microsoft Corp.)
 Microsoft, MS, MS DOS, OS/2, Xenix, Windows, Windows/286, Windows/386,
 Microsoft Networks, LIM EMS, XMA, DPMI

(Mouse Systems Corp.)
 Mouse Systems, PCMouse

(Novell Development Corp.)
 Novell, NetWare

(Phar Lap)
 VCPI, Virtual Control Program Interface

(Qalitas)
 386-To-The-Max, 386MAX

(Quarterdeck Office Systems)
 DesQview, QEMM

(SEAware, Inc)
 ARC

(Softlogic)
 DoubleDOS

(Sunny Hill Software)
 TaskView, OmniView

(Tandy Corp.)
 Tandy, Radio Shack, DeskMate

(Texas Instruments)
 TI, TI Professional, Business Professional, TIGA (TI Graphics Interface)

(Zenith Radio Corporation)
 Zenith, Z-100, Z-248

(ZSoft Corporation)
 ShowPartner, Paintbrush

 "LIM 4.0" and "Expanded Memory Specification" are copyright Lotus Development
Corp, Intel Corp, and Microsoft Corp.

 "EEMS", "AQA 3.1" and "Enhanced Expanded Memory Specification" are copyright
by Ashton-Tate, Quadram, and AST

 "DPMI" and "DOS Protected Mode Interface" are copyright Lotus Development
Corp, Intel Corp, Microsoft Corp, and AST

Various other names are trademarks of their respective companies.

╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║     Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC     SWv2.3   ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

  This is a user-supported technical reference.  If you find this information
 to be of use, please mail your check or money order for US $20 + $1.75 S&H to:

                       ╤═════════════════════════════╤
                       │    Dave Williams, DOSREF    │
                       │         PO Box 181          │
                       │ Jacksonville, AR 72076-0181 │
                       │             USA             │
                       ╧═════════════════════════════╧

  Shipping is US Postal Service Air Mail.  For non-Australian foreign orders,
 see the file 'PAYMENT'.  Site licensing and product licensing terms are
 available.

  If you wish to make payment in Australian dollars, please mail your check
 or money order for AUS $29 or credit card information to to:

                       ╤═════════════════════════════╤
                       │ Spearwood Shareware Service │
                       │          PO Box 121         │
                       │    Hamilton Hill, WA 6163   │
                       │           Australia         │
                       ╧═════════════════════════════╧

        Spearwood Shareware Service is our authorized Australian dealer.
        They will forward your order to the USA and you will receive the
        absolute latest version of DOSREF by airmail straight from the
        author.  This means there will be about a three week delay before
        your order arrives.  We appreciate your business!

        Spearwood is our dealer only; for support write or E-mail the
        author, Dave Williams, at the above address.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

   Why support DOSREF instead of relying on one of those public domain
 "interrupt lists"?  Sheer size, for one.  Even in LHarc format DOSREF
 bulks out to over a megabyte, making it too large for most sysops to
 consider keeping online.  Registered users also get support via:

        The Courts of Chaos BBS (DOSREF support board)
        RIME/RelayNet
        BIX
        internet
        CompuServe
        airmail

  You get the very latest edition of this manual on disk, with no worries
 about corrupted or tampered text.  DOSREF is a quality product, in use
 by the US Navy, CalTech, Borland, NEC, Wang, General Motors, Citicorp,
 Rockwell, Honeywell, Digital Research, Central Point Software, 20th Century
 Fox, Associated Press, hospitals, universities, and government agencies
 around the world.

  The Registered User reference consists of over a megabyte of the compressed
 technical reference, appendices, and sample source code. That's about three
 megabytes of raw data when uncompressed, or several times larger than the
 shareware version.

  The Registered User version contains information on device drivers, mouse
 programming, Virtual Control Program Interface, hard drives, hardware
 information, virus and Trojan programs, EMS 3.2, LIM 4.0, EEMS 3.2, CD-ROM,
 network programming, DOS 5.0, and more.

  Registered users will be advised by mail of updates.

  Several people who have downloaded copies over four years old have written
 to see if I was still supporting the Reference.  The answer is yes.  Not only
 that, but my book contract calls for keeping the information current.  If
 you're concerned, just drop a postcard.

 *****************************************************************************

 Foreign langauge versions are available!

  Klaus Overhage of Stuttgart, West Germany has licensed DOSref for
 redistribution and is now able to provide versions in German.  Klaus' version
 is a separate product from this one and must be purchased separately. Klaus
 is providing full support for German users.  If you'd like a copy in German,
 please contact:

                             Klaus Overhage
                             Rosenstrasse 15 A
                             7000 Stuttgart 50
                             Germany

  I hope to have other languages available soon.  If you are interested in
purchase or translation, please contact me for details.

 *****************************************************************************

  For payment in British pounds, Canadian dollars or EuroCheques, see
 INVOICE.TRF and PAYMENT.  I fully support foreign users!  If you're having
 trouble arranging payment, write (or leave EMail) and I'll try to work
 something out.

  Do you live outside the US?  If so, you're probably familiar with the
 hassles of keeping up with the latest information - the three to five month
 lead time for US publication, plus time for local book dealers to catalog
 new releases, plus problems in trying to order... plus the delays while your
 book comes in on special order, goes through Customs, the inevitable price
 hikes through all the middlemen, taxes...  not only is DOSREF priced
 well below the price of good printed computer books in the US, it's probably
 far cheaper than you could expect to pay for US books locally.  Plus your
 order will show up in your very own mailbox by air mail.

 *****************************************************************************

  Printed copies of the Tech Ref are available for £16.95 or US$35.10 from
Sigma Press, marketed by John Wiley & Sons UK. Address orders to:

        Programmer's Technical Reference
        by Dave Williams

        ISBN 185058-199-1
        John Wiley & Sons
        Baffins Lane
        Chichester
        West Sussex PO19 1UD
        England

 They accept checks, most credit cards, or purchase orders.

 *****************************************************************************

  The latest shareware version is always available on BIX the ibm.dos/listings
 area, the GEnie IBM file area, or:

 The Courts of Chaos, [phone], (support BBS)  CompuCom 9600
 The Cat House, [phone],  (sysop: Joe Felix)  CompuCom 9600

 RelayNet node ->CHAOS
    send mail in COMMON or MULTITSK (I'm the Conference Host for Multitask)

 GroupMed, [phone]  (sysop: Ismail Arslangiray)
 Tacoma WA, USA  FIDOnet 1:138/120 2400bps, 1:138/116 9600bps USR HST
 instant access, latest DOSREF is FREQable

 The Drake BBS   Sysop: Paolo Masetti   Cosysop: Roberto Bianchi
 Langhirano, Italy, 0522 828800 <- 9600 v32
                         824379 <- 2400 mnp5
 Fidonet node 2:332/502


                               How to use DOSREF

 This reference changes so often that any attempt to format it for pagination
would be a tremendous waste of time. Simply printing the thing out and letting
the pagebreaks fall where they may is how most people do it. The neatest
solution is Vern Buerg's LIST.COM or SideKick's file view function. If your
editor has multiple-window support, you can open a small window into the
Reference and cut and paste into your source.

 An efficient method of using the Reference is to concatenate all the chapters
together with the COPY command, ie COPY CONTENTS + CHAPTER.001 + CHAPTER.002 +
..... + CHAPTER.017   REF.  (REF being the new file name for the concatenated
files.) With LIST.COM, the backslash (\) or F9 key will search for strings.
You can then dump pieces of text to a disk file or your printer.

 If you work better with a printout than scanning with a file viewer, try
setting your printer to 132 columns. This allows a nice margin for writing
notes and eliminates the problem some printers have when printing 80
character wide text. Some of the text and charts in the reference are a full
80 columns wide; unfortunately some printers wrap automatically at 79 columns.
Some printers don't handle a combination of compressed print and graphics
characters very well either. You may have to use the PRTRFIX.COM program
provided on Disk 1 to squelch the graphics for printing.

 I strongly recommend using a viewer instead of printing. If you *must* print
the Reference out, do it in stages so your printer does not overheat. Some
inexpensive printers will self-destruct after a couple of hours.


       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams
                        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                        │ Shareware Version, 03/16/92 │
                        │  Please Register Your Copy  │
                        └─────────────────────────────┘


 The rest of the chapters aren't included in this shareware demonstration
package.  Since the complete manual takes about 1000k even compressed in
LHarc format, something had to give somewhere.

 Here's a sample of what you're missing:

 DOS 5 information (mainly in registered chapters 4, and 5)

 Appendices             Mouse API               Networking

 EMS                    XMS                     VCPI

 Video                  chip-level stuff        MORE!



                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


INTRO           Introduction, credits, copyrights


CHAPTER 1       DOS and the PC

Some History .......................................................... 1**1
What is DOS? .......................................................... 1**2
Other Operating Systems ............................................... 1**3
Specific Versions of MS/PC-DOS ........................................ 1**4
The Operating System Heirarchy ........................................ 1**5
DOS Structure ......................................................... 1**6
DOS Initialization .................................................... 1**7


CHAPTER 2       Low Memory and Absolute Addresses

Introduction .......................................................... 2**1
System Memory Map ..................................................... 2**2
A Brief Guide to Current Memory Terminology ........................... 2**3
PC Port Assignment .................................................... 2**4
Reserved Memory Locations ............................................. 2**5
Absolute Addresses .................................................... 2**6
The IBM PC System Interrupts (Overview) ............................... 2**7
Quick Chart of Interrupts 00h-0FFh .................................... 2**8
The IBM-PC System Interrupts 00h-0Fh (in detail) ...................... 2**9


CHAPTER 3       The IBM ROM BIOS

Calling the ROM BIOS .................................................. 3**1
Interrupt 10h  Video Services ......................................... 3**2
Interrupt 11h  Equipment Check ........................................ 3**3
Interrupt 12h  Memory Size ............................................ 3**4
Interrupt 13h  Disk Functions ......................................... 3**5
Interrupt 14h  Initialize and Access Serial Port ...................... 3**6
               FOSSIL Drivers ......................................... 3**7
Interrupt 15h  Cassette I/O ........................................... 3**8
Interrupt 16h  Keyboard I/O ........................................... 3**9
Interrupt 17h  Printer ................................................ 3**10
Interrupt 18h  ROM BASIC .............................................. 3**11
Interrupt 19h  Bootstrap Loader ....................................... 3**12
Interrupt 1Ah  Time of Day ............................................ 3**13
Interrupt 1Bh  Control-Break .......................................... 3**14
Interrupt 1Ch  Timer Tick ............................................. 3**15
Interrupt 1Dh  Vector of Video Initialization Parameters .............. 3**16
Interrupt 1Eh  Vector of Diskette Controller Parameters ............... 3**17
Interrupt 1Fh  Ptr to Graphics Character Extensions (Graphics Set 2) .. 3**18


CHAPTER 4       DOS Function Requests

General Programming Guides ............................................ 4**1
DOS Registers ......................................................... 4**2
DOS Stacks ............................................................ 4**3
DOS Interrupts ........................................................ 4**4
Interrupt 20h (Terminate) ............................................. 4**5
DOS Services (quick list) ............................................. 4**6
Calling the DOS Services .............................................. 4**7
Version Specific Information .......................................... 4**8
Compatibility Problems With DOS 4.0+ .................................. 4**9
PCjr Cartridge Support ................................................ 4**10
eDOS 4.0 .............................................................. 4**11
DOS Services in Detail ................................................ 4**12


CHAPTER 5       Interrupts 22h through 0FFh

Interrupt 22h   Terminate Address ..................................... 5**1
Interrupt 23h   Ctrl-Break Exit Address ............................... 5**2
Interrupt 24h   Critical Error Handler ................................ 5**3
Interrupt 25h   Absolute Disk Read .................................... 5**4
Interrupt 26h   Absolute Disk Write ................................... 5**5
Interrupt 27h   Terminate And Stay Resident ........................... 5**6
Interrupt 28h   (not documented by Microsoft) ......................... 5**7
Interrupt 29h   (not documented by Microsoft) ......................... 5**8
Interrupt 2Ah   Microsoft Networks - Session Layer Interrupt .......... 5**9
Interrupt 2Bh   Unknown ............................................... 5**10
Interrupt 2Ch   Unknown ............................................... 5**11
Interrupt 2Dh   Unknown ............................................... 5**12
Interrupt 2Eh   Alternate EXEC (DOS 2.0+) ............................. 5**13
Interrupt 2Fh   Multiplex Interrupt ................................... 5**14
Interrupt 30h   FAR jump instruction for CP/M-style calls ............. 5**15
Interrupt 31h   Unknown ............................................... 5**16
Interrupt 32h   Unknown ............................................... 5**17
Interrupt 33h   Used by Microsoft Mouse Driver Function Calls ......... 5**18
Interrupt 34h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**19
Interrupt 35h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**20
Interrupt 36h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**21
Interrupt 37h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**22
Interrupt 38h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**23
Interrupt 39h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**24
Interrupt 3Ah   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**25
Interrupt 3Bh   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**26
Interrupt 3Ch   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**27
Interrupt 3Dh   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**28
Interrupt 3Eh   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**29
Interrupt 3Fh   Overlay Manager Interrupt (Microsoft LINK.EXE) ........ 5**30
Interrupt 40h   Hard Disk BIOS ........................................ 5**31
Interrupt 41h   Hard Disk Parameters .................................. 5**32
Interrupt 42h   Pointer to screen BIOS entry .......................... 5**33
Interrupt 43h   Pointer to EGA Graphics Character Table ............... 5**34
Interrupt 44h   Pointer to graphics character table ................... 5**35
Interrupt 45h   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**36
Interrupt 46h   Pointer to second hard disk parameter block ........... 5**37
Interrupt 47h   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**38
Interrupt 48h   Cordless Keyboard Translation ......................... 5**39
Interrupt 49h   Non-keyboard Scan Code Translation Table Address (PCjr) 5**40
Interrupt 4Ah   Real-Time Clock Alarm (Convertible, PS/2) ............. 5**41
Interrupt 4Bh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**42
Interrupt 4Ch   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**43
Interrupt 4Dh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**44
Interrupt 4Eh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**45
Interrupt 4Fh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**46
Interrupt 50-57 IRQ0-IRQ7 Relocation .................................. 5**47
Interrupt 58h   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**48
Interrupt 59h   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**49
Interrupt 5Ah   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized)  ................... 5**50
Interrupt 5Bh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**51
Interrupt 5Ah   Cluster Adapter BIOS entry address .................... 5**52
Interrupt 5Bh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**53
Interrupt 5Ch   NETBIOS interface entry port, TOPS .................... 5**54
Interrupt 5Dh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**55
Interrupt 5Eh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**56
Interrupt 5Fh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**57
Interrupt 60h-67h  User Program Interrupts ............................ 5**58
Interrupt 60h   Network OS Interface .................................. 5**59
Interrupt 67h   Expanded Memory Board Driver Interrupt ................ 5**60
Interrupt 68h   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**61
Interrupt 69h   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**62
Interrupt 6Ah   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**63
Interrupt 6Bh   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**64
Interrupt 6Ch   System Resume Vector (Convertible) .................... 5**65
Interrupt 6Dh   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**66
Interrupt 6Eh   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**67
Interrupt 6Fh   10-Net API............................................. 5**68
Interrupt 70h   IRQ 8, Real Time Clock Interrupt (AT, XT/286, PS/2) ... 5**69
Interrupt 71h   IRQ 9, Redirected to IRQ 8 (AT, XT/286, PS/2) ......... 5**70
Interrupt 72h   IRQ 10  (AT, XT/286, PS/2)  Reserved .................. 5**71
Interrupt 73h   IRQ 11  (AT, XT/286, PS/2)  Reserved .................. 5**72
Interrupt 74h   IRQ 12  Mouse Interrupt (PS/2) ........................ 5**73
Interrupt 75h   IRQ 13, Coprocessor Error (AT) ........................ 5**74
Interrupt 76h   IRQ 14, Hard Disk Controller (AT, XT/286, PS/2) ....... 5**75
Interrupt 77h   IRQ 15 (AT, XT/286, PS/2)  Reserved ................... 5**76
Interrupt 78h   Not Used .............................................. 5**77
Interrupt 79h   Not Used .............................................. 5**78
Interrupt 7Ah   Reserved .............................................. 5**79
Interrupt 7Bh-7Eh  Not Used by IBM .................................... 5**80
Interrupt 7Ch   REXX-PC API ........................................... 5**81
Interrupt 7Fh   IBM 8514/A Graphics Adapter API ....................... 5**82
Interrupt 80h-85h  Reserved by BASIC .................................. 5**83
Interrupt 86h   Int 18 when relocated by NETBIOS ...................... 5**84
Interrupt 86h-0F0h  Used by BASIC when BASIC interpreter is running ... 5**85
Interrupt 0A4h  Right Hand Man API .................................... 5**86
Interrupt 0D4h  PC-MOS/386 API ........................................ 5**87
Interrupt 0E0h  Digital Research CP/M-86 function calls ............... 5**88
Interrupt 0E1h  PC Cluster Disk Server Information .................... 5**89
Interrupt 0E2h  PC Cluster Program .................................... 5**90
Interrupt 0E4h  Logitech Modula-2 v2.0   Monitor Entry ................ 5**91
Interrupt 0E5h  Not Used .............................................. 5**92
Interrupt 0E6h  Not Used .............................................. 5**93
Interrupt 0E7h  Not Used .............................................. 5**94
Interrupt 0E8h  Not Used .............................................. 5**95
Interrupt 0E9h  Not Used .............................................. 5**96
Interrupt 0EAh  Not Used .............................................. 5**97
Interrupt 0EBh  Not Used .............................................. 5**98
Interrupt 0ECh  Not Used .............................................. 5**99
Interrupt 0EDh  Not Used ............................................. 5**100
Interrupt 0EEh  Not Used ............................................. 5**101
Interrupt 0EFh  GEM interface (Digital Research) ..................... 5**102
Interrupt 0F0h  unknown .............................................. 5**103
Interrupts 0F1h-0FFh  (absolute addresses 3C4h-3FFh) ................. 5**104
Interrupt 0F4h  Not Used ............ ................................ 5**105
Interrupt 0F5h  Not Used ............ ................................ 5**106
Interrupt 0F8h  Set Shell Interrupt (OEM) ............................ 5**107
Interrupt 0F9h  Reserved ............................................. 5**108
Interrupt 0FAh  USART ready (RS-232C) ................................ 5**109
Interrupt 0FBh  USART RS ready (keyboard) ............................ 5**110
Interrupt 0FCh  Unknown ...............................................5**111
Interrupt 0FDh  reserved for user interrupt .......................... 5**112
Interrupt 0FEh  reserved by IBM ...................................... 5**113
Interrupt 0FFh  reserved by IBM ...................................... 5**114



CHAPTER 6       DOS Control Blocks and Work Areas

DOS Address Space ..................................................... 6**1
Storage Blocks ........................................................ 6**2
Disk Transfer Area (DTA) .............................................. 6**3
Program Segment Prefix ................................................ 6**4
Memory Control Blocks ................................................. 6**5
DOS Program Segment ................................................... 6**6


CHAPTER 7       DOS File Information

File Management Functions ............................................. 7**1
FCB Function Calls .................................................... 7**2
Handle Function Calls ................................................. 7**3
Special File Handles .................................................. 7**4
Raw and Cooked File I/O ............................................... 7**5
Number of Open Files Allowed  ......................................... 7**6
Restrictions on FCB Usage ............................................. 7**7
Restrictions on Handle usage .......................................... 7**8
Allocating Space to a File ............................................ 7**9
MSDOS / PCDOS Differences ............................................. 7**10
.COM File Structure ................................................... 7**11
.EXE File Structure ................................................... 7**12
The Relocation Table .................................................. 7**13
"NEW" .EXE Format (Microsoft Windows and OS/2) ........................ 7**14
Standard File Control Block ........................................... 7**15
Extended File Control Block ........................................... 7**16
Disk Transfer Area .................................................... 7**17


CHAPTER 8       DOS Disk Information

The DOS Area .......................................................... 8**1
The Boot Record ....................................................... 8**2
DOS File Allocation Table (FAT) ....................................... 8**3
        Media Descriptor Byte ......................................... 8**4
        12 Bit FATs ................................................... 8**5
        16 Bit FATs ................................................... 8**6
        32 Bit FATs ................................................... 8**7
DOS Disk Directory .................................................... 8**8
The Data Area ......................................................... 8**9
Floppy Disk Types ..................................................... 8**10
Hard Disk Layout ...................................................... 8**11
System Initialization ................................................. 8**12
Boot Record/Partition Table ........................................... 8**13
Hard Disk Technical Information ....................................... 8**14
Determining Hard Disk File Allocation ................................. 8**15
BIOS Disk Functions ................................................... 8**16


CHAPTER 9       Device Drivers


CHAPTER 10      Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification

History ............................................................... 10**1
Uses of Expanded Memory ............................................... 10**2
DOS and Expanded Memory ............................................... 10**3
Different Memory Types ................................................ 10**4
AST/Quadram/Ashton-Tate Enhanced EMM .................................. 10**5
EMS Address Space Map ................................................. 10**6
Writing Programs That Use Expanded Memory ............................. 10**7
Page Frames ........................................................... 10**8
Calling the Manager ................................................... 10**9
Detecting EMS ......................................................... 10**10
Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) Program Cooperation ................. 10**11
Expanded Memory Services Quick List ................................... 10**12
Expanded Memory Services .............................................. 10**13
        LIM 3.2 Specification ......................................... 10**14
        LIM 4.0 Specification ......................................... 10**15
        AQA EEMS 3.2 Specification .................................... 10**16
        VCPI API 1.0 .................................................. 10**17
Expanded Memory Manager Error Codes ................................... 10**18
Microsoft Extended Memory Specification 2.0 ........................... 10**19


CHAPTER 11      Conversion Between Operating Systems

Overview .............................................................. 11**1
Special Considerations ................................................ 11**2
Example Operating Systems ............................................. 11**3
Atari ST .............................................................. 11**4
CP/M .................................................................. 11**5
MacOS ................................................................. 11**6
AmigaDOS .............................................................. 11**7
OS/2 .................................................................. 11**8
UNIX .................................................................. 11**9


CHAPTER 13      Network APIs

FTP Driver - PC/TCP Packet Driver Specification ....................... 13**1
10-Net Network ........................................................ 13**2
LANtastic LANOS API ................................................... 13**3
Novell NetWare 2.11 API ............................................... 13**4
APPC/PC ............................................................... 13**5


CHAPTER 14      Mouse Programming

General Information ................................................... 14**1
Register Usage ........................................................ 14**2
Interrupt 33h Function Requests ....................................... 14**3
Interrupt 10h Function Requests ....................................... 14**4


CHAPTER 15      Register-Level Programming

8555 Peripheral Interface ............................................. 15**1
8259 Interrupt Controller ............................................. 15**2
AT CMOS RAM Configuration ............................................. 15**3


CHAPTER 16      Video Programming

Quick List of BIOS Interrupt 10h Functions ............................ 16**1
BIOS Interrupt 10h Functions in Detail ................................ 16**2


CHAPTER 17      Multitasking Shells

Introduction .......................................................... 17**1
Programming Practices ................................................. 17**2
TopView/DESQview API (interrupt 15h, "System Services" interface) ..... 17**3
TopView/DESQview API (interrupt 16h, "BIOS Video" interface) .......... 17**4


CHAPTER 18      Viruses and Trojan Horses


MISCSTUF        Miscellaneous Stuff

AFTERWRD        Afterword

CREDITS         Credits and Bibliography



 A P P E N D I C E S

APPENDIX  1     Keyboard scan code chart

APPENDIX  2     ASCII character chart

APPENDIX  3     IBM PC character set

APPENDIX  4     IBM PC error code listing

APPENDIX  5     Addresses of various manufacturers

APPENDIX  6     Hard disk information

APPENDIX  7     Floppy and Tape Devices

APPENDIX  8     Pinouts of various connectors on the IBM PC

APPENDIX  9     Sizes of various drivers installed in CONFIG.SYS

APPENDIX  10    Common modem instruction sets

APPENDIX  11    Glossary of computer terminology

APPENDIX  12    Various busses used in MSDOS machines

APPENDIX  13    Common filename extensions

APPENDIX  14    Clock speeds of various expansion cards

APPENDIX  15    Header formats used by various archive utilities

APPENDIX  16    Miscellaneous Hardware Information

APPENDIX  17    HP LaserJet Setup Codes

APPENDIX  18    ANSI.SYS Escape Sequences

APPENDIX  19    DEC VT100 Escape Sequences

APPENDIX  20    Various Paint Program Formats

APPENDIX  21    Some Commonly Used Hot-Keys

APPENDIX  22    Sound Blaster API

APPENDIX  23    French-Canadian accented character chart

APPENDIX  24    Compuserve Graphic Image Format '89a

APPENDIX  25    Hex Chart

APPENDIX  26    Microsoft TSR Specification 1.0

       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams
                        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                        │ Shareware Version, 03/16/92 │
                        │  Please Register Your Copy  │
                        └─────────────────────────────┘


                            C H A P T E R    O N E

                              DOS AND THE IBM PC


                                C O N T E N T S

Some History .......................................................... 1**1
What is DOS? .......................................................... 1**2
Other Operating Systems ............................................... 1**3
Specific Versions of MS/PC-DOS ........................................ 1**4
The Operating System Heirarchy ........................................ 1**5
DOS Structure ......................................................... 1**6
DOS Initialization .................................................... 1**7



SOME HISTORY├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1**1

 Development of MSDOS/PCDOS began in October 1980, when IBM began searching
the market for an operating system for the yet-to-be-introduced IBM PC.
Microsoft had no 8086 real operating system to sell, but quickly made a deal
to license Seattle Computer Products' 86-DOS operating system, which had been
written by Tim Paterson earlier in 1980 for use on that company's line of 8086,
S100 bus micros. 86-DOS (also called QDOS, for Quick and Dirty Operating System)
had been written as more or less a 16-bit version of CP/M, since Digital
Research was showing no hurry in introducing CP/M-86.

 This code was quickly polished up and presented to IBM for evaluation. IBM
had originally intended to use Digital Research's CP/M operating system, which
was the industry standard at the time.

 Folklore reports various stories about the rift between DRI and IBM. The most
popular story claims Gary Kildall or DRI snubbed the IBM executives by flying
his airplane when the meeting was scheduled. Another story claims Kildall
didn't want to release the source for CP/M to IBM, which would be odd, since
they released it to other companies. One noted industry pundit claims
Kildall's wife killed the deal by insisting on various contract changes. I
suspect the deal was killed by the good ol'boy network. It's hard to imagine
a couple of junior IBM executives giving up when ordered to a task as simple
as licensing an operating system from a vendor. Wouldn't look good on their
performance reports. It would be interesting to hear IBM's story...

 IBM found itself left with Microsoft's offering of "Microsoft Disk
Operating System 1.0". An agreement was reached between the two, and IBM agreed
to accept 86-DOS as the main operating system for thir new PC. Microsoft
purchased all rights to 86-DOS in July 1981, and "IBM Personal Computer DOS
1.0" was ready for the introduction of the IBM PC in October 1981. IBM
subjected the operating system to an extensive quality-assurance program,
reportedly found well over 300 bugs, and decided to rewrite the programs. This
is why PC-DOS is copyrighted by both IBM and Microsoft.

 Some early OEM versions of DOS had different names, such as Compaq-DOS, Z-DOS,
Software Bus 86, etc.  By version 2 Microsoft managed to persuade everyone but
IBM to refer to the product as "MS-DOS."

 It is sometimes amusing to reflect on the fact that the IBM PC was not
originally intended to run MSDOS. The target operating system at the end of the
development was for a (not yet in existence) 8086 version of CP/M. On the other
hand, when DOS was originally written the IBM PC did not yet exist! Although
PC-DOS was bundled with the computer, Digital Research's CP/M-86 would probably
have been the main operating system for the PC except for two things - Digital
Research wanted $495 for CP/M-86 (considering PC-DOS was essentially free) and
many software developers found it easier to port existing CP/M software to DOS
than to the new version of CP/M.

 The upgrade from DOS 3.3 to 4.0 was done in-house by IBM.  DOS 4.0 was a
completely IBM product, later licensed back to Microsoft. In early 1990 IBM
announced that it was ceasing development of DOS and all further work would
be done solely by Microsoft.


 Microsoft Press' "MSDOS Encyclopedia" shows a reproduction of a late
DOS 1.25 OEM brochure.  Microsoft was touting future enhancements to
1.25 including Xenix-compatible pipes, process forks, and multitasking,
as well as "graphics and cursor positioning, kanji support, multi-user
and hard disk support, and networking."  Microsoft certainly thought
big, but, alas, the forks, multitasking, and multiuser support never
came about, at least in US versions of DOS.  Oddly, the flyer claims
that

 "MS-DOS has no practical limit on disk size. MS-DOS uses 4-byte XENIX
OS compatible pointers for file and disk capacity up to 4 gigabytes."

 Umm... yeah.  One sort of gets the idea nobody at Microsoft had a hard
disk larger than 32 megabytes...

 For the record they actually delivered:

Xenix-compatible pipes             DOS 2.0  ("|" operator)
process forks, and multitasking   eDOS 4.0  (not delivered in the US)
multi-user                         never delivered
graphics and cursor positioning    DOS 2.0  (ANSI.SYS, more than likely)
kanji support                      DOS 2.01, 2.25 (double-byte char set)
hard disk support                  DOS 2.0  (subdirectories)
networking                         DOS 3.1  (file locking, MS Networks)

 Early Microsoft ads pumped DOS' Xenix-like features and promised Xenix
functionality in future releases.

 We'll probably never know what the real story was behind eDOS/DOS 4/
DOS 5/286DOS/OS2.  Microsoft had announced their intent to build a
multitasking, multiuser version of MSDOS as early as 1982.  They shipped
betas of "DOS 4.0" in '86 and early '87, before 3.3 was even announced.
Microsoft UK announced they had licensed 4.0 to Apricot Computer, and
the French Postal Service was supposed to be running it.  I've never
been able to find out if Apricot ever shipped any 4.0 to end users.

 Despite Gordon Letwin's acid comments about problems with the 80286
processor, I doubt the '286 was the barrier between users and a
multitasking MSDOS.  I also doubt there was any shortage of programming
talent at Microsoft - Digital Research's Concurrent DOS and Software
Link's PC-MOS were developed without undue trouble.


 MSDOS and PC-DOS have been run on more than just the IBM-PC and clones. Some
of the following have been done:

 Hardware PC Emulation:

        Apple II                ->      TransPC 8088 board
        Apple MacIntosh         ->      AST 80286 board
        Atari 400/800           ->      Co-Power 88 board
        Atari ST                ->      PC-Ditto II cartridge
        Commodore Amiga 2000    ->      8088 or A2286D 80286 Bridge Board
        IBM PC/RT               ->      80286 AT adapter
        Kaypro 2                ->      Co-Power Plus board

 Software PC Emulation:

        Apple MacIntosh         ->      SoftPC
        Atari ST                ->      PC-Ditto I
        IBM RS/6000             ->      DOS emulation

 DOS Emulation:

        AIX (IBM RS/6000)       ->      DOS emulation with "PCSIMulator"
        OS/2                    ->      DOS emulation in "Compatibility Box"
        QNX                     ->      DOS window
        SunOS                   ->      DOS window
        Xenix                   ->      DOS emulation with DOSMerge


WHAT IS DOS?├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1**2

 DOS exists as a high-level interface between an application program and the
computer. DOS stands for "Disk Operating System", which reflects the fact that
its main original purpose was to provide an interface between the computer and
its disk drives.

 DOS now lets your programs do simple memory management, I/O from the system
console, and assorted system tasks (time and date, etc) as well as managing
disk operations. Versions 3.1 and up also incorporate basic networking
functions.

 With the introduction of installable device drivers and TSR (terminate but
stay resident) programs in DOS 2.0, the basic DOS functions may be expanded to
cover virtually any scale of operations required.


OTHER OPERATING SYSTEMS├─────────────────────────────────────────────── 1**3

 There are a number of compatible replacements for Microsoft's MSDOS. Some are:

Alloy 386 Multiware                  (multitasking control prog, licensed DOS)
Consortium Technologies MultiDOS     (multitasking, multiuser)
Digital Research Concurrent DOS      (multitasking)
Digital Research Concurrent DOS 386  (for 80386 computers)
Digital Research Concurrent DOS XM   (multitasking, multiuser)
Digital Research DR-DOS 3.31 and 5.0 (PC-DOS clones)
Digital Research Multiuser DOS       (multitasking, multiuser)
PC-MOS/386                           (multitasking, multiuser)
Wendin-DOS                           (multitasking, multiuser)
VM/386                               (multitasking)

 Various other operating systems are available for the IBM PC. These include:

Digital Research CP/M-86
Digital Research Concurrent CP/M-86 (multitasking)
Minix (multitasking UNIX workalike)
Pick  (database-operating system)
QNX   (multitasking, multiuser)
UNIX  (various systems from IBM itself, Microsoft-SCO, Bell, and various UNIX
       clones, single and multi user) (AIX, Xenix, AT&T System V, etc.)

 "Shell" programs exist which use DOS only for disk management while they more
or less comprise a new operating system. These include:

     DesQview                        Windows                     OmniView
     GEM                             TopView                     TaskView
     GeoWorks

 Systems using the NEC V-series CPUs can execute Intel 8080/8085 8-bit
instructions as well as the 16-bit 8088-up instructions.  They can run standard
Digital Research 8-bit CP/M and MP/M directly, as well as other operating
systems developed for that processor.



SPECIFIC VERSIONS OF MS/PC-DOS├──────────────────────────────────────── 1**4

 DOS 1.x is essentially 86-DOS.  DOS 2.x kept the multiple file layout (the two
hidden files and COMMAND.COM) but for all practical purposes is an entirely
different operating system with backwards compatibility with 1.x.  I seriously
doubt there has been much code from 1.x retained in 2.x. DOS 3.x is merely an
enhancement of 2.x; there seems little justification for jumping a whole
version number.  The disk handling routines were considerably extended in 3.1,
allowing disk access in a "virtual" fashion, independent of whether the drive
was a local or network device.  DOS 4.0, originating as it did from outside
Microsoft, can justify a version jump.  Unfortunately, 4.0 seemed to have very
little reason to justify its existence - virtually all of its core features
could be found in one version or another of DOS 3.x.  According to Microsoft's
Gordon Letwin, DOS 5.0 was a complete rewrite with the kernel done in hand
optimized assembly language.

 DOS version nomenclature: major.minor.minor.  The digit to the left of the
decimal point indicates a major DOS version change.  1.0 was the first version.
2.0 added support for subdirectories, 3.0 added support for networking, 4.0
added some minimal support for Lotus-Intel-Microsoft EMS.

 The first minor version indicates customization for a major application.  For
example, 2.1 for the PCjr, 3.3 for the PS/2s.  The second minor version does not
seem to have any particular meaning.

 The main versions of DOS are:

 86-DOS       February 1981  Paterson's Quick'n'Dirty DOS first runs on PC
 PC-DOS 1.0   August   1981  original IBM release
 PC-DOS 1.05  -------- ----  fixes to BASIC interpreter
 PC-DOS 1.1   June     1982  bugfix, double sided drive support
 MS-DOS 1.25  July     1982  for early compatibles. This is the first non-IBM
                             OEM version
 PC-DOS 2.0   March    1983  for PC/XT, Unix-type subdirectory support,
                             installable device drivers, I/O redirection,
                             subdirectories, hard disk support, handle calls
 PC-DOS 1.85  April    1983  internal IBM - extended 1.1 - not released
 MS-DOS 2.01  -------- 1983  first support for individual country formats, Kanji
 PC-DOS 2.1   October  1983  for IBM PCjr, bugfixes for 2.0. No country support
 MS-DOS 2.11  October  1983  basically a cross of PC-DOS 2.1 and MS-DOS 2.01
 MS-DOS 2.12  -------- ----  special version for TI Professional
 PC-DOS 3.0   August   1984  1.2 meg drive for PC/AT, some new system calls,
                             new external programs, 16-bit FAT, specific support
                             for IBM network
 MS-DOS 3.05  -------- 1984  first OEM version of 3.x
 PC-DOS 3.1   November 1984  bugfix for 3.0, implemented generic network support
 MS-DOS 2.25  October  1985  extended foreign language support
 PC-DOS 3.2   January  1986  720k 3.5 inch drive support, special support for
                             laptops (IBM PC Convertible), XCOPY
 MS-DOS 4.0   April    1986  multitasking (Europe only) - withdrawn from market
 PC-DOS 3.3   April    1987  for PS/2 series, 1.44 meg support, multiple DOS
                             partition support, code page switching, improved
                             foreign language support, some new function calls,
                             support for the AT's CMOS clock.
 MS-DOS 3.31  November 1987  over-32 meg DOS partitions. Different versions
                             from different OEMs (not Microsoft).  Compaq and
                             Wyse are most common.
 PC-DOS 3.4   -------- ----  internal IBM - not released (4.0 development)
 MS-DOS 2.11R -------- 1988  bootable ROM DOS for Tandy machines
 PC-DOS 4.0   August   1988  32mb limit officially broken, minor EMS support,
                             more new function calls, enhanced network support
                             for external commands
 MS-DOS 4.01  January? 1989  Microsoft version with some bugfixes
 MS-DOS 3.21R September1989  DOS in ROM, Flash File System for laptops
 MS-DOS 3.3R  -------- 1990  DOS in ROM, introduced for TI laptops
 MS-DOS 5.0   June     1991  new high memory support, uses up to 8 hard disks,
                             command line editor and aliasing, 2.88 floppies

 IBM's PC-DOS was long considered to be the "standard" version of DOS.  Now
that MS 5.0 is a commercial product most developers will probably write to it.

 Microsoft's policy has been to sell DOS only to OEMs.  Despite this, they
sold small quantities of DOS 3.2, 3.3, and 4.0 without insurmountable
difficulties.  DOS 5.0 was conceived from the beginning as an over-the-counter
retail product.

 Incidentally, IBM refers to its DOS as "The IBM Personal Computer DOS." The
term "PCDOS" is a trademark of IBM's rival DEC.

 Some versions of MS-DOS varied from PC-DOS in the available external commands.
Some OEMs only licensed the basic operating system code (the xxxDOS and xxxBIO
programs, and COMMAND.COM) from Microsoft, and either wrote the rest themselves
or contracted them from outside software houses like Phoenix.  Most of the
external programs for DOS 3.x and 4.x are written in "C" while the 1.x and 2.x
utilities were written in assembly language.  Other OEMs required customized
versions of DOS for their specific hardware configurations, such as Sanyo 55x
and early Tandy computers, which were unable to exchange their DOS with the IBM
version.

 PC-DOS 3.0 was extremely buggy on release.  It did not handle the DOS
environment correctly and there were numerous documented problems with the
batch file parser.  The network support code was also nonfunctional in that DOS
version.  It is recommended that users upgrade to at least version 3.1.

 DEC MSDOS versions 2.11 for the Rainbow had the ANSI.SYS device driver built
into the main code.  The Rainbow also used a unique quad density, single-sided
floppy drive and its DOS had special support for it.

 IBM had a version 1.85 of PC-DOS in April 1983, after the introduction of DOS
2.0.  It was evidently for internal use only, supported multiple drive file
searches (a primitive form of PATH), builtin MODE sommands for screen support,
a /P parameter for TYPE for paused screens, an editable command stack like the
public domain DOSEDIT.COM utility, and could be set up to remain completely
resident in RAM instead of a resident/transient part like normal DOS.  It is a
pity some of the neat enhancements didn't make it into DOS 2.0.  IBM also had
an "internal use only" version 3.4, evidently used while developing DOS 4.0.

 Digital Research's DR-DOS is the first widely available DOS clone.  Version
3.4, released in June 1988, was the one first available to the American public.
It was somewhat buggy and its use is not recommended.  DR 3.41 is extremely
compatible and its use should pose no problems on any machine.  DR-DOS 5.0
(released May, 1990) is functionally equivalent to MS-DOS 5.0.  For all
practical purposes, MS 5.0 is a clone of DR 5.0, since DR beat MS to market by
over a year.  According to Greg Ewald, DRI's DR-DOS product manager, DR-DOS was
developed from Concurrent DOS 386 with the multiuser and multitasking code
stripped out.

 Some versions of DOS used in compatibles do not maintain the 1.x, 2.x, ...
numbering system.  Columbia Data Products computers labeled DOS 1.25 as DOS
2.0.  Early Compaqs labeled DOS 2.0 as DOS 1.x.  Other versions incorporated
special features - Compaq DOS 3.31 and Wyse DOS 3.21 both support >32mb disk
partitions in the same fashion as DOS 4.x.

 AT&T DOS 3.1 differs from generic MSDOS 3.10 in its use of cluster-size and
file allocation table structures.  AT&T DOS appears to use rules not from
version 3, but rather those from version 2.

 Epson Equity III and ComputerLand 3.10 DOS's appear to use cluster techniques
that are a cross between versions 2 and 3.  On type DOS partitions, these DOS's
use 3.x rules if the partition is larger than 32,680 sectors in total size.
This implies 16 bit FAT entries as well.  On partitions below this size, they
will use 2.x rules, including the 12 bit FAT entries.

 Zenith DOS 3.x and Wyse DOS 3.2 have a builtin internal device driver to
handle up to 4 32Mb DOS partitions on a single hard disk. Wyse DOS 3.31 will
handle single partitions up to 512Mb with a 32-bit FAT.

 According to PC Week Magazine, July 4, 1988, Arabic versions of MSDOS are
shipping with a hardware copy-protection system from Rainbow Technologies.
This is similar to the short-lived system used by AutoCAD 2.52 and a very few
other MSDOS programs, where an adapter block is plugged into the parallel port
and software makes use of coded bytes within the block.  This type of copy
protection has been common on Commodore products for several years, where it is
called a "dongle."
 The AutoCAD dongle was defeated by a small program written within weeks of
version 2.52's debut.  Version 2.62 was released 3 months later, without the
dongle.  The DOS dongle will, however, prevent the system from booting at all
unless it is found.
 This makes the Arabic version of MSDOS the first copy-protected operating
system, a dubious distinction at best.  The modifications to the operating
system to support the dongle are not known at this time.  Frankly, it would
seem that burning the operating system into ROMs would be cheaper and simpler.

 Versions of DOS sold in Great Britain are either newer than those sold in the
US or use a different numbering system.  DOS 3.4, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 had
been released there between the US releases of 3.3 and 4.0.
 MSDOS 4.0 (eDOS) was introduced in mid-1987 in Europe (at SICOB in Paris and
sometime earlier by Apricot Computer in the UK).  It offered multitasking
provided applications were specially written for it.
 David Fraser (Microsoft UK Managing Director) is on record saying that "DOS
4.0 is unlikely to set the world alight and is of interest only to specific
OEMs who want its features for networking and communications."   Standard DOS
applications will run under DOS 4.x as a foreground task according to uncertain
information.  It differs from earlier versions only in allowing background tasks
to run.  For further information, see Chapter 4.

 Microsoft changed their OEM licensing agreements between DOS versions 2.x and
3.x.  OEM versions of DOS 3.x must maintain certain data areas and undocumented
functions in order to provide compatibility with the networking features of the
operating system.  For this reason, TSR programs will be much more reliable
when operating under DOS 3.x.

 Several versions of DOS have been modified to be run out of ROM.  The Sharp
PC5000 had MSDOS 1.25 in ROM, and the Toshiba 1000 and some Tandy 1000 models
have MSDOS 2.11 in ROM.  In mid September 1989 Microsoft introduced 3.21R ROMs
for laptops, and in early '90 Texas Instruments laptops were the first to get
the 3.3R ROMs.  Digital Research has also announced its DR-DOS 3.41 and 5.0 is
available in a ROM version and Award Software is marketing DOS cards to OEMs
as a plug-in to ISA-bus machines.

 IBM's release of DOS 4.0 (and the immediate subsequent release of a bugfix)
was a dubious step "forward."  DOS 4.0 was the first version of DOS to come with
a warranty; the catch is that IBM warranted it only for a very slim list of
IBM-packaged software.  4.0 had some minor EMS support, support for large hard
disks, and not much else.  With its voracious RAM requirements and lack of
compatibility with previous versions of DOS (many major software packages
crashed under DOS 4.0), plus the increase in price to a cool $150, there was
no great rush to go to that version of DOS.

 Microsoft undertook development of MSDOS 5.0 in early 1990, soliciting
input from Usenet, BIX, and Compuserve among others.  5.0 is a functional
clone of Digital Research's DR-DOS 5.0.  5.0's compatibility was assured
by what has been claimed as the largest beta-test program in history -
in his address to the Boston Computer Society, Bill Gates announced over
7,500 testers were involved.




THE OPERATING SYSTEM HIERARCHY├──────────────────────────────────────── 1**5


 The Disk Operating System (DOS) and the ROM BIOS serve as an insulating layer
between the application program and the machine, and as a source of services
to the application program.

  As the term 'system' might imply, DOS is not one program but a collection
of programs designed to work together to allow the user access to programs
and data.  Thus, DOS consists of several layers of "control"programs and a set
of "utility" programs.

 The system hierarchy may be thought of as a tree, with the lowest level being
the actual hardware.  The 8088 or V20 processor sees the computer's address
space as a ladder one byte wide and one million bytes long.  Parts of this
ladder are in ROM, parts in RAM, and parts are not assigned.  There are also
65,536 "ports" that the processor can use to control devices.

 The hardware is normally addressed by the ROM BIOS, which will always know
where everything is in its particular system.  The chips may usually also be
written to directly, by telling the processor to write to a specific address or
port.  This sometimes does not work as the chips may not always be at the same
addresses or have the same functions from machine to machine.



DOS STRUCTURE├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1**6

DOS consists of four components:

 * The boot record
 * The ROM BIOS interface  (IBMBIO.COM, DRBIOS.SYS, or IO.SYS)
 * The DOS program file    (IBMDOS.COM, DRBDOS.SYS, or MSDOS.SYS)
 * The command processor   (COMMAND.COM or aftermarket replacement)


* The Boot Record

 The boot record begins on track 0, sector 1, side 0 of every diskette prepared
by the DOS FORMAT command.  The boot record is placed on diskettes to produce an
error message if you try to start up the system with a nonsystem diskette in
drive A.  For hard disks, the boot record resides on the first sector of the DOS
partition.  All media supported by DOS use one sector for the boot record.


* Read Only Memory (ROM) BIOS Interface and Extensions

 The file IBMBIO.COM or IO.SYS is the interface module to the ROM BIOS.
This file provides a low-level interface to the ROM BIOS device routines and
may contain extensions or changes to the system board ROMs.  Some compatibles do
not have a ROM BIOS to extend, and load the entire BIOS from disk.  (Sanyo 55x,
Viasyn machines).  Some versions of MSDOS, such as those from Compaq's MS-DOS
and Digital Research's DRDOS 5.0, are named IBMBIO.COM but are not IBM files.

 These low-level interface routines include the instructions for performing
operations such as displaying information on the screen, reading the keyboard,
sending data out to the printer, operating the disk drives, and so on.  It is
the operating system's means of controlling the hardware.  IBMBIO.COM contains
any modifications or updates to the ROM BIOS that are needed to correct any
bugs or add support for other types of hardware such as new disk drives.  By
using IBMBIO.COM to update the ROM BIOS on the fly when the user turns on their
computer, IBM does not need to replace the ROM BIOS chip itself, but makes any
corrections through the cheaper and easier method of modifying the IBMBIO.COM
file instead.

 IBMBIO.COM also keeps track of hardware operations on an internal stack or
"scratch pad" area for the operating system to save information such as
addresses it will need, etc.  An example of the use for this stack can be seen
when running a program such as a word processor.  If you have told the word
processor to save your letter, it will write the data to your disk.  During this
time, if you start typing some more information, the keyboard generates a
hardware interrupt.  Since you don't want the process of writing the information
to the disk to be interrupted, DOS allocates a slot in the stack for the
keyboard's hardware interrupt and when it gets a chance, (probably after the
data has been written to the disk), it can process that interrupt and pick up
the characters you may have been typing.  The STACKS= command in DOS 3.2+'s
CONFIG.SYS file controls the number of stack frames available for this
purpose.

 IBMBIO.COM also reads your CONFIG.SYS file and installs any device drivers
(i.e. DEVICE=ANSI.SYS) or configuration commands it may find there.



* The DOS Program

 The actual DOS program is the file IBMDOS.COM or MSDOS.SYS.  It provides a high-
level interface for user (application) programs.  This program consists of file
management routines, data blocking/deblocking for the disk routines, and a
variety of built-in functions easily accessible by user programs.

 When a user program calls these function routines, they accept high-level
information by way of register and control block contents.  When a user program
calls DOS to perform an operation, these functions translate the requirement
into one or more calls to IBMBIO.COM, MSDOS.SYS or system hardware to complete
the request.

 This section is often referred to as the "kernel" by systems programmers.



* The Command Interpreter

 The command interpreter, COMMAND.COM, is the part you interact with on the
command line.  COMMAND.COM has three parts.  IBM calls them the "resident
portion", the "initialization portion" and the "transient portion".

 IBM's original documentation spoke of installing alternate command
interpreters (programs other than COMMAND.COM) with the SHELL= statement in
CONFIG.SYS.  Unfortunately, IBM chose not to document much of the interaction
between IBMDOS.COM and IBMBIO.COM.  By the time much of the interaction was
widely understood, many commercial software programs had been written to use
peculiarities of COMMAND.COM itself.

 Several programs exist that perform as actual "shells" by completely replacing
COMMAND.COM and substituting their own command interpreter to use with the
hidden DOS files.  Examples are Command Plus, a commercial package, and the
shareware 4DOS and FlexShell packages.  Both supply greatly enhanced batch
language and editing capabilities.

NOTE: DOS 3.3+ checks for the presence of a hard disk, and will default to
      COMSPEC=C:\.  Previous versions default to COMSPEC=A:\.  Under some DOS
      versions, if COMMAND.COM is not immediately available for reloading
      (i.e., swapping to a floppy with COMMAND.COM on it) DOS may crash.


Resident Portion:

 The resident portion resides in memory immediately following IBMDOS.COM and its
data area.  This portion contains routines to process interrupts 22h (Terminate
Address), 23h (Ctrl-Break Handler), and 24h (Critical Error Handler), as well as
a routine to reload the transient portion if needed.  For DOS 3.x, this portion
also contains a routine to load and execute external commands, such as files
with exensions of COM or EXE.

 When a program terminates, a checksum is used to determine if the application
program overlaid the transient portion of COMMAND.COM.  If so, the resident
portion will reload the transient portion from the area designated by COMSPEC=
in the DOS environment.  If COMMAND.COM cannot be found, the system will halt.

 All standard DOS error handling is done within the resident portion of
COMMAND.COM.  This includes displaying error messages and interpreting the
replies to the "Abort, Retry, Ignore, Fail?" message.

 Since the transient portion of COMMAND.COM is so large (containing the
internal commands and all those error messages), and it is not needed when the
user is running an application it can be overlaid that program if that
application needs the room.  When the application is through, the resident
portion of COMMAND.COM brings the transient portion back into memory to show
the prompt.  This is why you will sometimes see the message "Insert disk with
COMMAND.COM".  It needs to get the transient portion off the disk since it was
overlaid with the application program.

 The initialization portion of COMMAND.COM follows the resident portion and is
given control during the bootup procedure.  This section actually processes the
AUTOEXEC.BAT file.  It also decides where to load the user's programs when they
are executed.  Since this code is only needed during startup, it is overlaid by
the first program which COMMAND.COM loads.

 The transient portion is loaded at the high end of memory and it is the
command processor itself.  It interprets whatever the user types in at the
keyboard, hence messages such as "Bad command or file name" for when the user
misspells a command.  This portion contains all the internal commands (i.e.
COPY, DIR, RENAME, ERASE), the batch file processor (to run .BAT files) and
a routine to load and execute external commands which are either .COM or
.EXE files.

 The transient portion of COMMAND.COM produces the system prompt, (C>), and
reads what the user types in from the keyboard and tries to do something with
it.  For any .COM or .EXE files, it builds a command line and issues an EXEC
function call to load the program and transfer control to it.



DOS INITIALIZATION├──────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1**7

 The system is initialized by a software reset (Ctrl-Alt-Del), a hardware reset
(reset button), or by turning the computer on.  The Intel 80x8x series processors
always look for their first instruction at the end of their address space
(0FFFF0h) when powered up or reset.  This address contains a jump to the first
instruction for the ROM BIOS.

 Built-in ROM programs (Power-On Self-Test, or POST, in the IBM) check machine
status and run inspection programs of various sorts.  Some machines set up a
reserved RAM area with bytes indicating installed equipment (AT and PCjr).

 When the ROM BIOS finds a ROM on an adapter card, it lets that ROM take
control of the system so that it may perform any set up necessary to use the
hardware or software controlled by that ROM.  The ROM BIOS searches absolute
addresses C8000h through E0000h in 2K increments in search of a valid ROM.
A valid ROM is determined by the first few bytes in the ROM.  The ROM will have
the bytes 55h, AAh, a length indicator and then the assembly language
instruction to CALL FAR (to bring in a "FAR" routine).  A checksum is done on
the ROM to verify its integrity, then the BIOS performs the CALL FAR to bring
in the executible code.  The adapter's ROM then performs its initialization
tasks and hopefully returns control of the computer back to the ROM BIOS so it
can continue with the booting process.

 The ROM BIOS routines then look for a disk drive at A: or an option ROM
(usually a hard disk) at absolute address C:800h.  If no floppy drive or option
ROM is found, the BIOS calls int 19h (ROM BASIC if it is an IBM) or displays
an error message.

 If a bootable disk is found, the ROM BIOS loads the first sector of information
from the disk and then jumps into the RAM location holding that code.  This code
normally is a routine to load the rest of the code off the disk, or to "boot"
the system.

 The following actions occur after a system initialization:

 1.  The boot record is read into memory and given control.

 2.  The boot record then checks the root directory to assure that the first
     two files are IBMBIO.COM and IBMDOS.COM or their OEM equivalents.  These
     must be the first two files, and they must be in that order (IBMBIO.COM
     first, with its sectors in contiguous order).
     NOTE: IBMDOS.COM need not be contiguous in version 3.x+.

 3.  The boot record loads IBMBIO.COM into memory.

 4.  The initialization code in IBMBIO.COM loads IBMDOS.COM, determines
     equipment status, resets the disk system, initializes the attached
     devices, sets the system parameters and loads any installable device
     drivers according to the CONFIG.SYS file in the root directory (if
     present), sets the low-numbered interrupt vectors, relocates IBMDOS.COM
     downward, and calls the first byte of DOS.
     NOTE: CONFIG.SYS may be a hidden file.

 5.  DOS initializes its internal working tables, initializes the interrupt
     vectors for interrupts 20h through 27h, and builds a Program Segment
     Prefix for COMMAND.COM at the lowest available segment.  For DOS versions
     3.10 up, DOS also initializes the vectors for interrupts 0Fh through 3Fh.
     An initialization routine is included in the resident portion and assumes
     control during startup.  This routine contains the AUTOEXEC.BAT file
     handler and determines the segment address where user application programs
     may be loaded.  The initialization routine is then no longer needed and is
     overlaid by the first program COMMAND.COM loads.
     NOTE: AUTOEXEC.BAT may be a hidden file.

 6.  IBMDOS.COM uses the EXEC function call to load and start the top-level
     command processor.  The default command processor is COMMAND.COM in the
     root directory of the boot drive.  If COMMAND.COM is in a subdirectory
     or another command processor is to be used, it must be specified by a
     SHELL= statement in the CONFIG.SYS file.
     A transient portion is loaded at the high end of memory.  This is the
     command processor itself, containing all of the internal command
     processors and the batch file processor.  For DOS 2.x, this portion also
     contains a routine to load and execute external commands, such as files
     with extensions of COM or EXE.
      This portion of COMMAND.COM also produces the DOS prompt (such as "A>"),
     reads the command from the standard input device (usually the keyboard or
     a batch file), and executes the command.  For external commands, it builds
     a command line and issues an EXEC function call to load and transfer
     control to the program.

note 1) COMMAND.COM may be a hidden file.
     2) For IBM DOS 2.x, the transient portion of the command processor
        contains the EXEC routine that loads and executes external commands.
        For MSDOS 2.x+ and IBM DOS 3.x+, the resident portion of the command
        processor contains the EXEC routine.
     3) IBMDOS only checks for a file named "COMMAND.COM".  It will load
        any file of that name if no SHELL= command is used.


 That pretty much covers the bootup process.  After the command processor is
loaded, it runs the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and then the user gets their prompt to
begin working.



       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams
                        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                        │ Shareware Version, 03/16/92 │
                        │  Please Register Your Copy  │
                        └─────────────────────────────┘


                             C H A P T E R   T W O


 CPU Port Assignments, System Memory Map, BIOS Data Area, Interrupts 00h to 09h



                                C O N T E N T S

Introduction .......................................................... 2**1
System Memory Map ..................................................... 2**2
A Brief Guide to Current Memory Terminology ........................... 2**3
PC Port Assignment .................................................... 2**4
Reserved Memory Locations ............................................. 2**5
Absolute Addresses .................................................... 2**6
The IBM PC System Interrupts (Overview) ............................... 2**7
Quick Chart of Interrupts 00h-0FFh .................................... 2**8
The IBM-PC System Interrupts 00h-0Fh (in detail) ...................... 2**9



Introduction .......................................................... 2**1

 For consistency in this reference, all locations and offsets are in
hexadecimal unless otherwise specified. All hex numbers are prefaced with a
leading zero if they begin with an alphabetic character, and are terminated
with a lowercase H (h). The formats vary according to common usage.



System Memory Map ..................................................... 2**2

 The IBM PC handles its address space in 64k segments, divided into 16k
fractions and then further as necessary.

┌──────┬─────┬─────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│start │start│end  │                                                          │
│addr. │addr.│addr.│                          usage                           │
│(dec) │   (hex)   │                                                          │
├──────┴───────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   *640k RAM Area*                                                           │
├──────┬───────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0k   │           │  start of RAM, first K is interrupt vector table         │
│ 16k  │00000-03FFF│  PC-0 system board RAM ends                              │
│ 32k  │04000-07FFF│                                                          │
│ 48k  │08000-0BFFF│                                                          │
├──────┼───────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 64k  │10000-13FFF│  PC-1 system board RAM ends                              │
│ 80k  │14000-17FFF│                                                          │
│ 96k  │18000-1BFFF│                                                          │
│ 112k │1C000-1FFFF│                                                          │
├──────┼───────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 128k │20000-23FFF│                                                          │
│ 144k │24000-27FFF│                                                          │
│ 160k │28000-2BFFF│                                                          │
│ 176k │2C000-2FFFF│                                                          │
├──────┼───────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 192k │30000-33FFF│                                                          │
│ 208k │34000-37FFF│                                                          │
│ 224k │38000-3BFFF│                                                          │
│ 240k │3C000-3FFFF│                                                          │
├──────┼───────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 256k │40000-43FFF│  PC-2 system board RAM ends                              │
│ 272k │44000-47FFF│                                                          │
│ 288k │48000-4BFFF│                                                          │
│ 304k │4C000-4FFFF│                                                          │
├──────┼───────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 320k │50000-53FFF│                                                          │
│ 336k │54000-57FFF│                                                          │
│ 352k │58000-5BFFF│                                                          │
│ 368k │5C000-5FFFF│                                                          │
├──────┼───────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 384k │60000-63FFF│                                                          │
│ 400k │64000-67FFF│                                                          │
│ 416k │68000-6BFFF│                                                          │
│ 432k │6C000-6FFFF│                                                          │
├──────┼───────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 448k │70000-73FFF│                                                          │
│ 464k │74000-77FFF│                                                          │
│ 480k │78000-7BFFF│                                                          │
│ 496k │7C000-7FFFF│                                                          │
├──────┼───────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 512k │80000-83FFF│                                                          │
│ 528k │84000-87FFF│                                                          │
│ 544k │88000-8BFFF│  the original IBM PC-1 BIOS limited memory to 544k       │
│ 560k │8C000-8FFFF│                                                          │
├──────┼───────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 576k │90000-93FFF│                                                          │
│ 592k │94000-97FFF│                                                          │
│ 609k │98000-9BFFF│                                                          │
│ 624k │9C000-9FFFF│  to 640k (top of RAM address space)                      │
├──────┴───────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│A0000 ***** 64k ***** EGA/VGA starting address                               │
│A0000 ***** 64k ***** Toshiba 1000 DOS ROM (MS-DOS 2.11V)                    │
├──────┬───────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 640k │A0000-A95B0│  MCGA 320x200 256 color video buffer                     │
│      │     -AF8C0│  MCGA 640x480 2 color video buffer                       │
│      │     -A3FFF│                                                          │
│ 656k │A4000-A7FFF│                                                          │
│ 672k │A8000-ABFFF│      this 64k segment may be used for contiguous DOS     │
│ 688k │AC000-AFFFF│      RAM with appropriate hardware and software          │
├──────┴───────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│B0000 ***** 64k ***** mono and CGA address                                   │
├──────┬───────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 704k │B0000-B3FFF│  4k  monochrome display   | The PCjr and early Tandy 1000│
│ 720k │B4000-B7FFF│                           | BIOS revector direct write to│
│ 736k │B8000-BBFFF│  16k CGA uses             | the B8 area to the Video Gate│
│ 756k │BC000-BFFFF│                           | Array and reserved system RAM│
├──────┴───────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│C0000 ***** 64k *************** expansion ROM                                │
├──────┬───────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 768k │C0000-C3FFF│  16k EGA BIOS C000:001E EGA BIOS signature (letters IBM  │
│ 784k │C4000-C5FFF│                                                          │
│      │C6000-C63FF│  256 bytes Professional Graphics Display comm. area      │
│      │C6400-C7FFF│                                                          │
│ 800k │C8000-CBFFF│  16k hard disk controller BIOS, drive 0 default          │
│      │CA000      │      some 2nd floppy (high density) controller BIOS      │
│ 816k │CC000-CDFFF│   8k IBM PC Network NETBIOS                              │
│      │CE000-CFFFF│                                                          │
├──────┴───────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│D0000 ***** 64k ***** expansion ROM                                          │
├──────┬───────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 832k │D0000-D7FFF│  32k IBM Cluster Adapter  | PCjr first ROM cartridge     │
│      │      DA000│  voice communications     | address area.                │
│ 848k │D4000-D7FFF│                           | Common expanded memory board │
│ 864k │D8000-DBFFF│                           | paging area.                 │
│ 880k │DC000-DFFFF│                           |                              │
│      │DE000      │  TI Pro default video buffer, 4k in length               │
├──────┴───────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│E0000 ***** 64k ***** expansion ROM                                          │
├──────┬───────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 896k │E0000-E3FFF│                           | PCjr second ROM cartridge    │
│ 912k │E4000-E7FFF│                           | address area                 │
│ 928k │E8000-EBFFF│                           |                              │
│ 944k │EC000-EFFFF│                           |    spare ROM sockets on AT   │
├──────┴───────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│F0000 ***** 64k ***** system                                                 │
├──────┬───────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 960k │F0000-F3FFF│  reserved by IBM          |    cartridge address         │
│ 976k │F4000-     │                           |    area (PCjr cartridge      │
│      │F6000      │  ROM BASIC Begins         |    BASIC)                    │
│ 992k │F8000-FB000│                           |                              │
│ 1008k│FC000-FFFFF│  ROM BASIC and original   |                              │
│      │           │  BIOS (Compatibility BIOS |                              │
│      │           │  in PS/2)                 |                              │
│ 1024k│      FFFFF│  end of memory (1024k) for 8088 machines                 │
├──────┼───────────┴─┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 384k │100000-15FFFF│ 80286/AT extended memory area, 1Mb motherboard         │
│ 15Mb │100000-FFFFFF│ 80286/AT extended memory address space                 │
│ 15Mb │160000-FDFFFF│ Micro Channel RAM expansion (15Mb extended memory)     │
│ 128k │FE0000-FFFFFF│ system board ROM            (PS/2 Advanced BIOS)       │
├──────┼─────────────┴───┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  64k │C0000000-C000FFFF│ Weitek "Abacus" math coprocessor memory-mapped I/O │
└──────┴─────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

 Note that the ROM BIOS has a duplicated address space which causes it to
"appear" both at the end of the 1 megabyte real mode space and at the end of
the 16 megabyte protected mode space. The addresses from 0E0000 to 0FFFFF are
equal to 0FE0000 to 0FFFFFF. This is necessary due to differences in the memory
addressing between Real and Protected Modes.



A Brief Guide to Current Memory Terminology ........................... 2**3

LOW MEMORY - 0000h to around 0:5(something), comprising the 80x8x interrupt
             vector table, the BIOS Data Area, DOS Data Area, etc.

CONVENTIONAL MEMORY - from the end of low memory to the beginning of the
             "reserved by IBM" A000 segment (640k).

HIGH MEMORY - originally noncontiguous RAM stuffed into the "reserved for
             ROM expansion" areas, typically segments D000 and E000. DOS
             normally can't access this memory without a driver of some
             sort, but it's easy to put RAMdisks and stuff in there.

CONVENTIONAL MEMORY - extra RAM stuck at A000, assuming the machine already
             has 640k, appears as conventional memory accessible to DOS
             and applications. IBM clones can typically add 64k before
             bumping into a mono card or 96k before hitting a color card.
             This address is part of the EGA/VGA video RAM area and most
             EGA cards don't like system memory at A000.

EXPANDED MEMORY - LIM 3.2, LIM 4.0, or EEMS 3.2 bank switched memory. A
             RAM "window" allows an app to save a block of RAM to an expansion
             board. The window size and location varies according to the
             EMS standard being used.

EXTENDED MEMORY - this is the "native mode" address space of the 80286 and
             later chips. The "real mode", or 8088 addressing scheme,
             sees RAM as a collection of segments and offsets with a limit
             on segment size. "Protected mode" addressing uses a flat linear
             addressing scheme. 8088 and 80188 chips do not have extended
             memory.

HIGH MEMORY - by fiddling a bit with the segment/offset stuff, you can
             get an extra block of addressable 8088-mode memory just over
             the 1 meg address space. Microsoft issued their "HMA" (High
             Memory Area) standard to try to standardize use of this block.
             Though it really is "high" memory, "high" had for many years
             referred to memory between 640k and 1mb. This creates more
             confusion for new programmers.

EMS - this is expanded memory as described above

XMS - Microsoft is pushing an "Extended Memory Standard" which defines
      a page-switching scheme much like EMS. The only real difference is
      that XMS uses protected-mode RAM instead of a special paged RAM board.

XMS - some severely brain-damaged jerk at IBM issued documentation for some
      IBM *EMS* boards referring to the boards as *XMS*. This was a classic
      blunder, and now some IBM-followers are picking up the aberrant
      terminology. This is guaranteed to confuse some people. To make it
      simple, if it needs an expansion board, it is EMS no matter what the
      vendor calls it.


PC Port Assignment .................................................... 2**4


 These are functions common across the IBM range. The PCjr, PC-AT, PC
Convertible and PS/2 (both buses) have enhancements. In some cases, the
AT and PS/2 series ignore, duplicate, or reassign ports arbitrarily. If
your code incorporates specific port addresses for video or system board
control it would be wise to have your application determine the machine
type and video adapter and address the ports as required.

 hex address                   Function                   Models
                                                PCjr|PC|XT|AT|CVT|M30|PS2

 0000-000F      8237 DMA controller                  PC
 0010-001F      8237 DMA controller                        AT         PS2
 0020-0027      8259A interrupt controller
 0020-002F      IOSGA interrupt function                              PS2
 0020-003F      8259A interrupt controller  (AT)
 0020-0021      interrupt controller 1, 8259A        PC    AT         PS2
 0040-0043      programmable timer 8253              PC
 0040-0047      programmable timers                                   PS2
 0040-005F      8253-5 programmable timers                 AT
                note 1) 0041 was memory refresh in PCs. Not used in PS/2.
                     2) A few early 80386 machines used static RAM and did
                        not use refresh at all. The PCjr refreshes by the
                        video vertical retrace signal.
 0060-0063      keyboard controller 8255A            PC
 0060-006F      8042 keyboard controller                   AT
 0060           IOSGA keyboard input port                             PS2
 0061           speaker                         PCjr PC XT AT CVT
 0061           IOSGA speaker control                             M30 PS2
 0061           On some clones, setting or clearing bit 2 controls Turbo mode
 0061           Toshiba 1000 - system command
 0062           IOSGA configuration control                       M30 PS2
 0062           Toshiba 1000 - System Status, port C
 0063           SSGA, undocumented                                    PS2
 0063           Toshiba 1000 - mode set
 0064           keyboard auxiliary device                             PS2
 0065-006A      SSGA, undocumented                                    PS2
 006B           SSGA, RAM enable/remap                                PS2
 006C-006F      SSGA, undocumented                                    PS2
 0070           AT CMOS write internal register
 0071           AT CMOS read internal register
 0070-0071      CMOS real-time clock, NMI mask                        PS2
 0070-007F      CMOS real-time clock, NMI mask             AT
 0074-0076      reserved                                              PS2
 0800-008F      SSGA DMA page registers                               PS2
 0080-009F      DMA page registers, 74LS612                AT
 0090           central arbitration control port (Micro Channel)
 0091           card selected feedback           (Micro Channel)
 0092           system control port A            (Micro Channel)
 0093           reserved                         (Micro Channel)
 0094           system board setup               (Micro Channel)
 0096           POS "CD SETUP" selector          (Micro Channel)
 00A0-00A1      Interrupt controller 2, 8259A              AT         PS2
 00A0-00AF      IOSGA NMI mask register                               PS2
 00B0-00BF      realtime clock/calendar, (undocumented)               PS2
 00C0-00DF      reserved                        PCjr PC XT AT CVT M30
 00C0-00CF      DOS ROM register, Toshiba 1000
 00D0-00EF      "special" register, Toshiba 1000
      00C0      0C1 key register, Toshiba 1000
      00C1      keyboard transfer register, Toshiba 1000
      00C2      keyboard receive register, Toshiba 1000
      00C3      keyboard status register, Toshiba 1000
      00C8      DOS ROM page register, Toshiba 1000
      00E0      CPU speed control, Toshiba 1000
      00E1      keyboard status/0E2 key register, Toshiba 1000
      00E2      work register, Toshiba 1000
      00E3      0E4 key register, Toshiba 1000
      00E4      system control register 0, Toshiba 1000
      00E4      Weitek ABACUS NDP - bit 0=1, ABACUS is present
      00E5      0E6 key register, Toshiba 1000
      00E6      system control register 1, Toshiba 1000
      00EE      EMS unit index, Toshiba 1000
      00EF      EMS unit data, Toshiba 1000
 00C0-00DF      DMA controller 2, 8237A-5                  AT         PS2
 00E0-00EF      realtime clock/calendar  (undocumented)           M30 PS2
 00F0-00FF      PS/2 math coprocessor I/O  (Model 50+)  (diskette IO on PCjr)
 0100-0101      PS/2 POS adapter ID response            (Micro Channel)
 0102-0107      PS/2 POS adapter configuration response (Micro Channel)
 01F0-01F8      hard disk                                  AT         PS2
 0200-0201      game-control adapter (joystick)
 0200-020F      game controller                      PC    AT
 0208-0209      Chips & Technology CS8221 chipset default EMS ports
                alternate addresses: 218h, 258h, 268h, 2A8h, 2B8h, 2E8h
 0208-020F      Toshiba 1000 - EMS unit I/O #1
 020C-020D      reserved by IBM
 0210-0217      expansion box (PC, XT)
 0218-021F      Toshiba 1000 - EMS unit I/O #2
 021F           reserved by IBM
 0258-025F      Toshiba 1000 - EMS unit I/O #3
 0258-0259      LIM EMS 3.1 (not defined in 3.2+)
 0268-026F      Toshiba 1000 - EMS unit I/O #4
 0278-027F      parallel printer port 2                    AT
 0278-027B      parallel printer port 3                               PS2
 02A2           clock chip in early Sperry PCs
 02A8-02AF      Toshiba 1000 - EMS unit I/O #5
 02B8-02BF      Toshiba 1000 - EMS unit I/O #6
 02B0-02DF      EGA (alternate)                       PC   AT
 02C0-02DF      Toshiba 1000 - realtime clock
 02E1           GPIB (adapter 0)                           AT
 02E2-02E3      data acquisition (adapter 0)               AT
 02E8           "industry standard" COM4
 02E8-02EF      Toshiba 1000 - EMS unit I/O #7
 02F8-02FF      serial communications (COM2)          PC   AT         PS2
 0300-031F      prototype card                        PC   AT
 0300-031F      Leading Edge Model D clock            -------------------
 0320-032F      hard disk controller                  PC
 0320           Perstor HD controller, primary        -------------------
 0324           Perstor HD controller, secondary      -------------------
 0340           Sony CD-ROM                           -------------------
 0348-0357      DCA 3278
 0360-0367      PC Network (low address)
 0368-036F      PC Network (high address)                  AT
 0370           Colorado Memory external tape backup control port -------
                some "second controller" floppy cards -------------------
 0378-037F      parallel printer port                 PC   AT
 0378-037B      parallel printer port                                 PS2
 0380-038F      Eicon Technology Network Adapter (X.25) board (default)
 0380-038F      SDLC, bi-synchronous 2                PC   AT
 0380-0389      BSC communications (alternate)        PC
 0390-039F      Eicon Technology Network Adapter (X.25) board (alternate)
 0390-0393      cluster (adapter 0)                   PC   AT
 03A0-03A9      BSC communications (primary)          PC   AT
 03B0-03BF      monochrome/parallel printer adapter   PC   AT
 03B4-03B5      video subsystem                                       PS2
 03BA           video subsystem                                       PS2
 03BC-03BF      parallel printer port 1                               PS2
 03C0-03CF      Enhanced Graphics Adapter
 03C0-03DA      video subsystem and DAC                               PS2
 03DA           video status register                 AT&T 6300, Olivetti PC
 03D0-03DF      CGA, MCGA, VGA adapter control
 03DE           video mode selector register          AT&T 6300, Olivetti PC
 03E8h          "industry standard" COM3
 03F0-03F7      floppy disk controller                PC   AT         PS2
 03F0           Colorado Memory internal tape backup control port -------
 03F2           DTK high-density XT floppy controller (output only)
 03F5           DTK high-density XT floppy controller
 03F8-03FF      serial communications (COM1)          PC   AT         PS2
 06E2-06E3      data acquisition (adapter 1)               AT
 0790-0793      cluster (adapter 1)                   PC   AT
 0878           Compaq 386SX VGA BIOS relocation           AT
 0AE2-0AE3      data acquisition (adapter 2)               AT
 0B90-0B93      cluster (adapter 2)                   PC   AT
 0EE2-0EE3      data acquisition (adapter 3)               AT
 1390-1393      cluster (adapter 3)                   PC   AT
 22E1           GPIB (adapter 1)
 2390-2393      cluster (adapter 4)                   PC   AT
 4258           LIM EMS 3.1 (not defined in 3.2+)     -------------------
 42E1           GPIB (adapter 2)                           AT
 62E1           GPIB (adapter 3)                           AT
 8258           LIM EMS 3.1 (not defined in 3.2+)     -------------------
 82E1           GPIB (adapter 4)                           AT
 A2E1           GPIB (adapter 5)                           AT
 C258           LIM EMS 3.1 (not defined in 3.2+)     -------------------
 C2E1           GPIB (adapter 6)                           AT
 E2E1           GPIB (adapter 7)                           AT

note 1) IOSGA = I/O Support Gate Array
        SSGA = System Support Gate Array
     2) I/O Addresses, hex 000 to 0FF, are reserved for the system board I/O.
        Hex 100 to 3FF are available on the I/O channel.
     3) These are the addresses decoded by the current set of adapter cards.
        IBM may use any of the unlisted addresses for future use.
     4) SDLC Communication and Secondary Binary Synchronous Communications
        cannot be used together because their port addresses overlap.



Reserved Memory Locations ............................................. 2**5

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│ 000-3FF  - 1k DOS interrupt vector table, 4 byte vectors for ints 00h-0FFh.
│   30:00  - used as a stack area during POST and bootstrap routines. This
│to 3F:FF    stack area may be revectored by an application program.
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│ ** The BIOS Data Area ** addresses from 400h to 4FFh
├─────┬───────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│addr.│ size  │                         description
├─────┼───────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│40:00│  word │ COM1 port address |   These addresses are zeroed out in the
│40:02│  word │ COM2 port address |   OS/2 DOS Compatibility Box if any of
│40:04│  word │ COM3 port address |   the OS/2 COMxx.SYS drivers are loaded.
│40:06│  word │ COM4 port address |
│40:08│  word │ LPT1 port address
│40:0A│  word │ LPT2 port address
│40:0C│  word │ LPT3 port address
│40:0E│  word │ LPT4 port address        (not valid in PS/2 machines)
│40:0E│  word │ PS/2 pointer to 1k extended BIOS Data Area at top of RAM
│40:10│  word │ equipment flag (see int 11h)
└─────┴───────┤ bits:
              │ 0       0       no floppy drive present
              │         1       if floppy drive present (see bits 6&7)
              │ 1       0       no math coprocessor installed
              │         1       if 80x87 installed  (not valid in PCjr)
              │ 2,3     system board RAM   (not used on AT or PS/2)
              │         0,0     16k             0,1     32k
              │         1,0     48k             1,1     64k
              │ 4,5     initial video mode
              │         0,0     no video adapter
              │         0,1     40 column color  (PCjr default)
              │         1,0     80 column color
              │         1,1     MDA
              │ 6,7     number of diskette drives
              │         0,0     1 drive         0,1     2 drives
              │         1,0     3 drives        1,1     4 drives
              │ 8       0       DMA present
              │         1       DMA not present (PCjr, Tandy 1400, Sanyo 55x)
              │ 9,A,B   number of RS232 serial ports
              │ C       game adapter  (joystick)
              │         0       no game adapter
              │         1       if game adapter
              │ D       serial printer (PCjr only)
              │         0       no printer
              │         1       serial printer present
       ┌──────┘ E,F     number of parallel printers installed
       │note 1) The IBM PC and AT store the settings of the system board
       └───┐    switches or CMOS RAM setup information (as obtained by the BIOS
           │    in the Power-On Self Test (POST)) at addresses 40:10h and
           │    40:13h. 00000001b indicates "on", 00000000b is "off".
┌─────┬────┴──┐
│40:12│  byte │ reserved (PC, AT)
└─────┴───────┤  number of errors detected by infrared keyboard link (PCjr)
┌─────┬───────┤  POST status (Convertible)
│40:13│  word │ availible memory size in Kbytes (less display RAM in PCjr)
├─────┼───────┤  this is the value returned by int 12h
│40:15│  word │ reserved
│40:17│  byte │ keyboard flag byte 0 (see int 9h)
└─────┴───────┤ bit 7  insert mode on      3  alt pressed
              │     6  capslock on         2  ctrl pressed
              │     5  numlock on          1  left shift pressed
┌─────┬───────┤     4  scrollock on        0  right shift pressed
│40:18│  byte │ keyboard flag byte 1 (see int 9h)
└─────┴───────┤ bit 7  insert pressed      3  ctrl-numlock (pause) toggled
              │     6  capslock pressed    2  PCjr keyboard click active
              │     5  numlock pressed     1  PCjr ctrl-alt-capslock held
┌─────┬───────┤     4  scrollock pressed   0
│40:19│  byte │ storage for alternate keypad entry (not normally used)
│40:1A│  word │ pointer to keyboard buffer head character
│40:1C│  word │ pointer to keyboard buffer tail character
│40:1E│32bytes│ 16 2-byte entries for keyboard circular buffer, read by int 16h
│40:3E│  byte │ drive seek status - if bit=0, next seek will recalibrate by
└─────┴───────┤ repositioning to Track 0.
              │ bit 3  drive D          bit 2  drive C
┌─────┬───────┤     1  drive B              0  drive A
│40:3F│  byte │ diskette motor status (bit set to indicate condition)
└─────┴───────┤ bit 7  write in progress    3  motor on (floppy 3)
              │     6                       2  motor on (floppy 2)
              │     5                       1  B: motor on (floppy 1)
┌─────┬───────┤     4                       0  A: motor on (floppy 0)
│40:40│  byte │ motor off counter
│     │       │ starts at 37 and is decremented 1 by each system clock tick.
│     │       │ motor is shut off when count = 0.
│40:41│  byte │ status of last diskette operation     where:
└─────┴───────┤ bit 7 timeout failure                3 DMA overrun
              │     6 seek failure                   2 sector not found
              │     5 controller failure             1 address not found
┌─────┬───────┤     4 CRC failure                    0 bad command
│40:42│7 bytes│ NEC floppy controller chip status
│40:49│  byte │ Video Control Data Area 1 from 0040:0049 through 0040:0066
└─────┴───────┤ current CRT mode (hex value)
              │    00h 40x25 BW      (CGA)          01h 40x25 color   (CGA)
              │    02h 80x25 BW      (CGA)          03h 80x25 color   (CGA)
              │    04h 320x200 color (CGA)          05h 320x200 BW    (CGA)
              │    06h 640x200 BW    (CGA)          07h monochrome    (MDA)
              │extended video modes (EGA/MCGA/VGA or other)
              │    08h lores,16 color               09h med res,16 color
              │    0Ah hires,4 color                0Bh n/a
              │    0Ch med res,16 color             0Dh hires,16 color
┌─────┬───────┤    0Eh hires,4 color                0Fh hires,64 color
│40:4A│  word │ number of columns on screen, coded as hex number of columns
└─────┴───────┤ 20 col = 14h  (video mode 8, low res 160x200 CGA graphics)
              │ 40 col = 28h
┌─────┬───────┤ 80 col = 46h
│40:4C│  word │ screen buffer length in bytes
├─────┼───────┤(number of bytes used per screen page, varies with video mode)
│40:4E│  word │ current screen buffer starting offset (active page)
│40:50│8 words│ cursor position pages 1-8
└─────┴───────┤ the first byte of each word gives the column (0-19, 39, or 79)
┌─────┬───────┤ the second byte gives the row (0-24)
│40:60│  byte │ end line for cursor   (normally 1)
│40:61│  byte │ start line for cursor (normally 0)
│40:62│  byte │ current video page being displayed  (0-7)
│40:63│  word │ base port address of 6845 CRT controller or equivalent
├─────┼───────┤ for active display           3B4h=mono, 3D4h=color
│40:65│  byte │ current setting of the CRT mode register
│40:66│  byte │ current palette mask setting  (CGA)
│40:67│5 bytes│ temporary storage for SS:SP during shutdown (cassette interface)
│40:6C│  word │ timer counter low word
│40:6E│  word │ timer counter high word
│40:69│  byte │ HD_INSTALL (Columbia PCs) (not valid on most clone computers)
└─────┴───────┤ bit  0    0  8 inch external floppy drives
              │           1  5-1/4 external floppy drives
              │      1,2     highest drive address which int 13 will accept
              │              (since the floppy drives are assigned 0-3,subtract
              │              3 to obtain the number of hard disks installed)
              │      4,5     # of hard disks connected to expansion controller
              │      6,7     # of hard disks on motherboard controller
              │              (if bit 6 or 7 = 1, no A: floppy is present and
┌─────┬───────┤              the maximum number of floppies from int 11 is 3)
│40:70│  byte │ 24 hour timer overflow 1 if timer went past midnight
├─────┼───────┤ it is reset to 0 each time it is read by int 1Ah
│40:71│  byte │ BIOS break flag (bit 7 = 1 means break key hit)
│40:72│  word │ reset flag
└─────┴───────┤ PCjr keeps 1234h here for softboot when a cartridge is installed
              │ bits 1234h = soft reset, memory check will be bypassed
              │      4321h = preserve memory         (PS/2 only)
              │      5678h = system suspended        (Convertible)
              │      9ABCh = manufacturing test mode (Convertible)
┌─────┬───────┤      ABCDh = system POST loop mode   (Convertible)
│40:74│  byte │ status of last hard disk operation ; PCjr special disk control
│40:75│  byte │ # of hard disks attached (0-2)     ; PCjr special disk control
│40:76│  byte │ HD control byte; temp holding area for 6th param table entry
│40:77│  byte │ port offset to current hd adapter  ; PCjr special disk control
│40:78│4 bytes│ timeout value for LPT1,LPT2,LPT3,LPT4
│40:7C│4 bytes│ timeout value for COM1,COM2,COM3,COM4 (0-0FFh secs, default 1)
│40:80│  word │ pointer to start of circular keyboard buffer, default 03:1E
│40:82│  word │ pointer to end of circular keyboard buffer, default 03:3E
└─────┴───────┤ note: early Zenith Z183 BIOS set these pointers to zero and
┌─────┬───────┤       ignored them.
│40:84│  .... │ Video Control Data Area 2, 0040:0084 through 0040:008A
│40:84│  byte │ rows on the screen minus 1 (EGA only)
│40:84│  byte │ PCjr interrupt flag; timer channel 0  (used by POST)
│40:85│  word │ bytes per character (EGA only)
│40:85│2 bytes│ (PCjr only) typamatic character to repeat
│40:86│2 bytes│ (PCjr only) typamatic initial delay
│40:87│  byte │ mode options (EGA only)
└─────┴───────┤ bit 0   0   cursor emulation in effect
              │         1   no cursor emulation
              │     1   0   EGA is connected to a color display
              │         1   EGA is connected to monochrome TTL display
              │     2   0   wait for vertical retrace (CGA active)
              │         1   don't wait for vertical retrace (EGA or MDA active)
              │     3   0   EGA is the active display,
              │         1   "other" display is active.
              │     4       reserved
              │     5,6     EGA memory size
              │             0,0   64k
              │             0,1   128k
              │             1,0   192k
              │             1,1   256k
              │     7   0   don't clear screen on mode changes
              │         1   if the last "set mode" specified not to clear the
              │             video buffer
              │ mode combinations:
              │ bit3  bit1     Meaning
              │   0     0   EGA is active display and is color
              │   0     1   EGA is active display and is monochrome
              │   1     0   EGA is not active, a mono card is active
┌─────┬───────┤   1     1   EGA is not active, a CGA is active
│40:87│  byte │ (PCjr only) current Fn key code
├─────┼───────┤             80h bit indicates make/break key code?
│40:88│  byte │ feature bits and switches (EGA only) 0=on, 1=off
└─────┴───────┤ bit 0   switch 1
              │     1   switch 2
              │     2   switch 3
              │     3   switch 4
┌─────┬───────┤     4-7 feature bits
│40:88│  byte │ (PCjr only) special keyboard status byte
└─────┴───────┤ bit 7 function flag      3 typamatic (0=enable,1=disable)
              │     6 Fn-B break         2 typamatic speed (0=slow,1=fast)
              │     5 Fn pressed         1 extra delay bef.typamatic (0=enable)
┌─────┬───────┤     4 Fn lock            0 write char, typamatic delay elapsed
│40:89│  byte │ (PCjr) current value of 6845 reg 2 (horizontal synch) used by
└─────┴───────┤ ctrl-alt-cursor screen positioning routine in ROM
              │  (VGA)
              │ bit 0       reserved
              │     1       video summing enabled
              │     2   0   for color monitor attached
              │         1   for mono monitor
              │     3   0   for default palette loading enabled
              │     4   0   for 8x8 text font
              │         1   for 8x16 text font
┌─────┬───────┤     5-7     reserved
│40:8A│  byte │ (PCjr) CRT/CPU Page Register Image, default 3Fh
└─────┴───────┤ (VGA)  Display Combination Code Index. This is the value
              │  set/returned by function 1Ah of the Video BIOS. This byte
              │  contains an index into the ROM BIOS Display Combination Code
              │  table, which is a list of byte pairs that specify valid
              │  combinations of one or two video subsystems. Video subsystems
              │  are designated by the following values:
              │  00h     no display
              │  01h     MDA with monochrome display
              │  02h     CGA with color display
              │  03h     reserved
              │  04h     EGA with color display
              │  05h     EGA with monochrome display
              │  06h     Professional Graphics Adapter
              │  07h     VGA with analog monochrome display
              │  08h     VGA with analog color display
              │  09h     reserved
              │  0Ah     MCGA with digital color display
              │  0Bh     MCGA with analog monochrome display
              │  0Ch     MCGA with analog color display
┌─────┬───────┤  0FFh    unrecognized video subsystem
│40:8B│  byte │ last diskette data rate selected
└─────┴───────┤ bit 7,6 starting data transfer rate to use
              │         0,0      500 kb/sec
              │         0,1      300 kb/sec
              │         1,0      250 kb/sec
              │         1,1      reserved
              │     5,4 last step rate selected
              │     3   ending data transfer rate to use
              │     2   reserved
              │     1   reserved
              │     0   1  combination floppy/fixed disk controller detected
              │         0  XT floppy only controller (for 360kb drive) detected
              │                Data Transfer Rates
              │       Kbits/sec     Media   Drive   Sectors/Track
              │         250         360k    360k        9
              │         300         360k    1.2M        9
              │         500         1.2M    1.2M       15
              │         250         720k    720k        9
              │         250         720k    1.4M        9
┌─────┬───────┤         500         1.4M    1.4M       18
│40:8C│  byte │ hard disk status returned by controller
│40:8D│  byte │ hard disk error returned by controller
│40:8E│  byte │ hard disk interrupt (bit 7=working interrupt)
│40:8F│  byte │ combo_card - status of drives 0 and 1
└─────┴───────┤ bit 7   reserved
              │     6   drive type determined for drive 1
              │     5   drive multiple data rate capability for drive 1
              │         0       no multiple data rate
              │         1       multiple data rate
              │     4   1 then drive 1 has 80 tracks
              │         0 then drive 1 has 40 tracks
              │     3   reserved
              │     2   drive type determined for drive 0
              │     1   drive multiple data rate capability for drive 0
              │         0       no multiple data rate
              │         1       multiple data rate
              │     0   1       the drive 0 has 80 tracks
┌─────┬───────┤         0       the drive 0 has 40 tracks
│40:90│4 bytes│ media state drive 0, 1, 2, 3
└─────┴───────┤ floppy_media_state
              │ bit 7,6 Data transfer rate
              │         00 - 500 K/sec
              │         01 - 300 K/sec
              │         10 - 250 K/sec
              │         11 - reserved
              │     5   double stepping required
              │     4   media/drive determined
              │     3   reserved
              │     2-0 present state
              │         000  360k in 360k unestablished
              │         001  360k in 1.2M unestablished
              │         010  1.2M in 1.2M unestablished
              │         011  360k in 360k established
              │         100  360k in 1.2M established
              │         101  1.2M in 1.2M established
              │         110  reserved
┌─────┬───────┤         111  none of the above
│40:94│2 bytes│ track currently seeked to drive 0, 1
│40:96│  byte │ keyboard flag byte 3 (see int 9h)
│40:97│  byte │ keyboard flag byte 2 (see int 9h)
│40:98│ dword │ segment:offset pointer to users wait flag
│40:9C│ dword │ users timeout value in microseconds
│40:A0│  byte │ real time clock wait function in use
└─────┴───────┤ bits 7    wait time elapsed and posted flag
              │      6-1  reserved
┌─────┬───────┤      0    int 15h, function 86h (WAIT) has occurred
│40:A1│  byte │ LAN A DMA channel flags
│40:A2│2 bytes│ status LAN A 0,1
│40:A4│ dword │ saved hard disk interrupt vector
│40:A8│ dword │ SAVE_PTR: EGA pointer to table of 7 parameters in segment:
└─────┴───────┤           offset format. Format of table:
              │ D_1 dword   pointer to 1472 byte table of 64 video parameters
              │ D_2 dword   reserved
              │ D_3 dword   reserved
              │ D_4 dword   reserved
              │ D_5 dword   reserved for future use
              │ D_6 dword   reserved for future use
┌─────┬───────┤ D_7 dword   reserved for future use
│40:B0│2 words│ international support                   (Tandy 1000 TX)
│40:B4│  byte │ keyboard NMI control flags              (Convertible)
│40:B4│  byte │ monochrome monitor hookup detect        (Tandy 1000 TX)
│     │       │ 00h not present   0FFh  present
│40:B5│ dword │ keyboard break pending flags            (Convertible)
│40:B5│  byte │ extended equipment detect  (5 bits)     (Tandy 1000 TX)
└─────┴───────┤ bit 0 = 0   drive A is 5¼
              │         1   drive A is 3½
              │     1 = 0   drive A is 5¼
              │         1   drive A is 3½
              │     2 = 0   Tandy 1000 keyboard layout
              │         1   IBM keyboard layout
              │     3 = 0   CPU slow mode
              │         1   CPU fast mode
              │     4 = 0   internal color video support enabled
              │         1   internal color video support disabled, external
              │             video enabled (chg from mb'd to expansion card)
              │     5 = 0   no external monochrome video installed
┌─────┬───────┤         1   external monochrome video installed
│40:B6│  byte │ extended equipment detect  (1 bit)      (Tandy 1000 TX)
└─────┴───────┤ bit 0 = 0   drive C is 5¼
┌─────┬───────┤         1   drive C is 3½
│40:B9│  byte │ port 60 single byte queue               (Convertible)
│40:BA│  byte │ scan code of last key                   (Convertible)
│40:BB│  byte │ pointer to NMI buffer head              (Convertible)
│40:BC│  byte │ pointer to NMI buffer tail              (Convertible)
│40:BD│16bytes│ NMI scan code buffer                    (Convertible)
│40:CE│  word │ day counter                             (Convertible and after)
│  to │ -04:8F│               end of BIOS Data Area
├─────┴───────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│ ** End of BIOS Data Area **
├─────┬───────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│40:90│-40:EF │ reserved by IBM
│40:F0│16bytes│ Inter-Application Communications Area (for use by applications
│40:FF│       │ to transfer data or parameters to each other)
└─────┴───────┤ 1) Used by Turbo Power's FMARK (mark memory for TSRs).
              │ 2) Used by Norton Utilities' TimeMark to store the time.
              │ 3) Used by BRIEF editor.
┌─────┬───────┤
│50:00│ byte  │ DOS print screen status flag
└─────┴───────┤        00h    not active or successful completion
              │        01h    print screen in progress
┌─────┬───────┤        0FFh   error during print screen operation
│50:01│       │ Used by BASIC
│50:02-03     │ PCjr POST and diagnostics work area
│50:04│  byte │ Single drive mode status byte - not used by AT&T DOS 2.11!
└─────┴───────┤         00     logical drive A was last active
┌─────────────┤         01     logical drive B was last active
│50:05-0E     │ PCjr POST and diagnostics work area
│50:0F│       │ BASIC: SHELL flag (set to 02h if there is a current SHELL)
│50:10│  word │ BASIC: segment address storage (set with DEF SEG)
│50:12│4 bytes│ BASIC: int 1Ch clock interrupt vector segment:offset storage
│50:16│4 bytes│ BASIC: int 23h ctrl-break interrupt segment:offset storage
│50:1A│4 bytes│ BASIC: int 24h disk error int vector segment:offset storage
│50:1B-1F     │ Used by BASIC for dynamic storage
│50:20-21     │ Used by DOS for dynamic storage
│50:22-2C     │ Used by DOS for diskette parameter table. See int 1Eh for values
└─────┴───────┤ In DOS 1.0 this is located in the ROM BIOS, but in DOS 1.1 and
              │ subsequent it is a part of DOS located at 05:22. The first byte
              │ (out of eleven) of the Disk Parameter contains the hexadecimal
              │ value CF in DOS 1.0 and DF in DOS 1.1 and later.
              │ DOS 1.0   24ms
┌─────────────┤ DOS 1.1   26ms
│50:30-33     │ Used by MODE command
│50:81│       │ number of floppies installed in the system?
│50:82│       │ first hard disk drive?
│50:83│       │ last hard disk drive?
│50:34-FF     │ Unknown - Reserved for DOS
└─────────────┴─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────



Absolute Addresses .................................................... 2**6

0008:0047 IO.SYS or IBMBIO.COM IRET instruction. This is the dummy routine that
          interrupts 01h, 03h, and 0Fh are initialized to during POST.
C000:001E EGA BIOS signature (the letters IBM)
F000:FA6E table of characters 00h-7Fh used by int 10h video BIOS
          The first 128 characters are stored here and each occupies 8 bytes.
          The high bit ones are somewhere on the video adapter card.
F000:FFF5 BIOS release date
F000:FFFE PC model identification

     ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
     │ ROM BIOS    ┌ model byte                                            │
     │ copyright   │    ┌ submodel byte          machine                   │
     │   date      │    │    ┌ revision                                    │
     ├──────────┼────┼────┼────┼───────────────────────────────────────────┤
     │          │ 00 │ 00 │ 00 │ AT&T 6300, Olivetti PC                    │
     │ 09/02/86 │ FA │ 00 │ 00 │ PS/2 Model 30                             │
     │ 01/10/86 │ FB │ 00 │ 00 │ XT-2 (early)                              │
     │ 01/10/86 │ FB │ 00 │ 01 │ XT Model 089                              │
     │ 05/09/86 │ FB │ 01 │ 02 │ XT-2 (revised)                            │
     │ 01/10/84 │ FC │ -- │ -- │ AT Model 099 (original)                   │
     │ 06/10/85 │ FC │ 00 │ 01 │ AT Model 239 6mHz      (6.6 max governor) │
     │ 11/15/85 │ FC │ 01 │ 00 │ AT Model 339, 339 8mHz (8.6 max governor) │
     │          │ FC │ 01 │ 00 │ Compaq 386/16                             │
     │          │ FC │ 01 │ 03 │ some Phoenix 386 BIOS                     │
     │          │ FC │ 01 │ 81 │ some Phoenix 386 BIOS                     │
     │ 04/21/86 │ FC │ 02 │ 00 │ XT/286                                    │
     │ 02/13/87 │ FC │ 04 │ 00 │ PS/2 Model 50                             │
     │ 02/13/87 │ FC │ 05 │ 00 │ PS/2 Model 60                             │
     │          │ FC │ 00 │    │ 7531/2 Industrial AT                      │
     │          │ FC │ 06 │    │ 7552 "Gearbox"                            │
     │ 04/18/88 │ FC │ 04 │ 03 │ PS/2 50Z                                  │
     │ 01/24/90 │ FC │ 01 │ 00 │ Compaq Deskpro 80386/25e                  │
     │ 10/02/89 │ FC │ 02 │ 00 │ Compaq Deskpro 386s, 386SX, 16mHz         │
     │ 06/01/83 │ FD │ -- │ -- │ PCjr                                      │
     │ 11/08/82 │ FE │ -- │ -- │ XT, Portable PC, XT/370, 3270PC           │
     │ 04/24/81 │ FF │ -- │ -- │ PC-0             (16k motherboard)        │
     │ 10/19/81 │ FF │ -- │ -- │ PC-1             (64k motherboard)        │
     │ 08/16/82 │ FF │ -- │ -- │ PC, XT, XT/370   (256k motherboard)       │
     │ 10/27/82 │ FF │ -- │ -- │ PC, XT, XT/370   (256k motherboard)       │
     │   ? 1987 │ F8 │ 00 │ 00 │ PS/2 Model 80                             │
     │  3/30/87 │ F8 │ 00 │ 00 │ PS/2 Model 80-041  16mHz                  │
     │ 08/28/87 │ F8 │ ?? │ ?? │ PS/2 Model 80-071  16mHz                  │
     │   ? 1987 │ F8 │ 01 │ 00 │ PS/2 Model 80      20mHz                  │
     │ 09/17/87 │ F8 │ 01 │ 01 │ PS/2 Model 80-111  20mHz                  │
     │        ? │ F8 │ 04 │  ? │ PS/2 Model 70-121                         │
     │ 01/18/89 │ F8 │ 0B │ 00 │  PS/2 Model 70 Portable                   │
     │ 04/11/88 │ F8 │ 09 │ 02 │  PS/2 Model 70 desktop                    │
     │ 02/20/89 │ F8 │ 0D │    │  PS/2 Model 70-A21                        │
     │ 09/13/85 │ F9 │ 00 │ 00 │ Convertible                               │
     │          │ 2D │ -- │ -- │ Compaq PC        (4.77mHz original)       │
     │          │ 9A │ -- │ -- │ Compaq Plus      (XT compatible)          │
     └──────────┴────┴────┴────┴───────────────────────────────────────────┘



The IBM PC System Interrupts (Overview) ............................... 2**7

 The interrupt table is stored in the very lowest location in memory, starting
at 0000:0000h. The locations are offset from segment 0, i.e. location 0000h has
the address for int 0, etc. The table is 1024 bytes in length and contains 256
four byte vectors from 00h to 0FFh. Each address' location in memory can be
found by multiplying the interrupt number by 4. For example, int 7 could be
found by (7x4=28) or 1Bh (0000:001Bh).

 These interrupt vectors normally point to ROM tables or are taken over by DOS
when an application is run. Some applications revector these interrupts to
their own code to change the way the system responds to the user. DOS provides
int 21h function 25h to change interrupts from a high level; altering the
interrupt vector table directly is not recommended, nor would it really get
you anywhere.


Quick Chart of Interrupts 00h-0FFh .................................... 2**8

┌─────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Interrupt Address  │                                                        │
├───────┬───────┬─────┘                        Function                        │
│ Number│ (Hex) │ Type                                                         │
├───────┼───────┼─────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   0   │ 00-03 │ CPU │  Divide by Zero                                        │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   1   │ 04-07 │ CPU │  Single Step                                           │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   2   │ 08-0B │ CPU │  Nonmaskable                                           │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   3   │ 0C-0F │ CPU │  Breakpoint                                            │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   4   │ 10-13 │ CPU │  Overflow                                              │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   5   │ 14-17 │ BIOS│  Print Screen                                          │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   6   │ 18-1B │ hdw │  Reserved                                              │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   7   │ 1C-1F │ hdw │  Reserved                                              │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   8   │ 20-23 │ hdw │  Time of Day                                           │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   9   │ 24-27 │ hdw │  Keyboard                                              │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   A   │ 28-2B │ hdw │  Reserved                                              │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   B   │ 2C-2F │ hdw │  Communications (8259)                                 │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   C   │ 30-33 │ hdw │  Communications                                        │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   D   │ 34-37 │ hdw │  Disk                                                  │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   E   │ 38-3B │ hdw │  Diskette                                              │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   F   │ 3C-3F │ hdw │  Printer                                               │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   10  │ 40-43 │ BIOS│  Video                                                 │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   11  │ 44-47 │ BIOS│  Equipment Check                                       │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   12  │ 48-4B │ BIOS│  Memory                                                │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   13  │ 4C-4F │ BIOS│  Diskette/Disk                                         │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   14  │ 50-53 │ BIOS│  Serial Communications                                 │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   15  │ 54-57 │ BIOS│  Cassette, System Services                             │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   16  │ 58-5B │ BIOS│  Keyboard                                              │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   17  │ 5C-5F │ BIOS│  Parallel Printer                                      │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   18  │ 60-63 │ BIOS│  ROM BASIC Loader                                      │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   19  │ 64-67 │ BIOS│  Bootstrap Loader                                      │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   1A  │ 68-6B │ BIOS│  Time of Day                                           │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   1B  │ 6C-6F │ BIOS│  Keyboard Break                                        │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   1C  │ 70-73 │ BIOS│  Timer Tick                                            │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   1D  │ 74-77 │ BIOS│  Video Initialization                                  │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   1E  │ 78-7B │ BIOS│  Diskette Parameters                                   │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   1F  │ 7C-7F │ BIOS│  Video Graphics Characters, second set                 │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   20  │ 80-83 │ DOS │  General Program Termination                           │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   21  │ 84-87 │ DOS │  DOS Services Function Request                         │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   22  │ 88-8B │ DOS │  Called Program Termination Address                    │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   23  │ 8C-8F │ DOS │  Control Break Termination Address                     │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   24  │ 90-93 │ DOS │  Critical Error Handler                                │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   25  │ 94-97 │ DOS │  Absolute Disk Read                                    │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   26  │ 98-9B │ DOS │  Absolute Disk Write                                   │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   27  │ 9C-9F │ DOS │  Terminate and Stay Resident                           │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 28-3F │ A0-FF │ DOS │  Reserved for DOS                                      │
└───────┴───────┴─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
                      │ *29h   Fast Screen Write                               │
                      │ *2Ah   Microsoft Networks - Session Layer Interrupt    │
                      │  2Fh   Multiplex Interrupt                             │
                      │ *30h   Far jump instruction for CP/M-style calls       │
                      │  33h   Used by Microsoft Mouse Driver                  │
┌───────┬───────┬─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 40-43 │100-115│ BIOS│  Reserved for BIOS                                     │
└───────┴───────┴─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
                      │  40h   Hard Disk BIOS                                  │
                      │  41h   Hard Disk Parameters  (except PC1)              │
                      │  42h   Pointer to screen BIOS entry  (EGA, VGA, PS/2)  │
                      │  43h   Pointer to EGA initialization parameter table   │
┌───────┬───────┬─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   44  │116-119│ BIOS│  First 128 Graphics Characters                         │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 45-47 │120-131│ BIOS│  Reserved for BIOS                                     │
└───────┴───────┴─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
                      │  45h   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized)              │
                      │  46h   Pointer to hard disk 2 params (AT, PS/2)        │
                      │  47h   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized)              │
┌───────┬───────┬─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   48  │132-135│ BIOS│  PCjr Cordless Keyboard Translation                    │
├───────┼───────┼─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   49  │136-139│ BIOS│  PCjr Non-Keyboard Scancode Translation Table          │
└───────┴───────┴─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
                      │  4Ah   Real-Time Clock Alarm (Convertible, PS/2)       │
┌───────┬───────┬─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 50-5F │140-17F│ BIOS│  Reserved for BIOS                                     │
└───────┴───────┴─────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
                      │  5Ah   Cluster Adapter BIOS entry address              │
                      │ *5Bh   IBM  (cluster adapter?)                         │
                      │  5Ch   NETBIOS interface entry port                    │
┌───────┬───────┬─────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 60-67 │180-19F│  User Program Interrupts (availible for general use)         │
└───────┴───────┴─────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
                      │  60h   10-Net Network                                  │
                      │  67h   Used by LIM & AQA EMS, EEMS                     │
┌───────┬───────┬─────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 68-7F │1A0-1FF│  Reserved by IBM                                             │
└───────┴───────┴─────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
                      │  6Ch   System Resume Vector (Convertible)              │
                      │  6Fh   some Novell and 10-Net API functions            │
                      │  70h   IRQ 8, Real Time Clock Interrupt (AT, PS/2)     │
                      │  71h   IRQ 9, LAN Adapter 1                            │
                      │  72h   IRQ 10  (AT, XT/286, PS/2)  Reserved            │
                      │  73h   IRQ 11  (AT, XT/286, PS/2)  Reserved            │
                      │  74h   IRQ 12  Mouse Interrupt (PS/2)                  │
                      │  75h   IRQ 13, Coprocessor Error                       │
                      │  76h   IRQ 14, Hard Disk Controller (AT, PS/2)         │
                      │  77h   IRQ 15 (AT, XT/286, PS/2)  Reserved             │
                      │  7Ch   IBM REXX88PC command language                   │
┌───────┬───────┬─────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 80-85 │200-217│  ROM BASIC                                                   │
├───────┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 86-F0 │218-3C3│  Used by BASIC Interpreter When BASIC is running             │
├───────┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ F1-FF │3C4-3FF│  Reserved by IBM                                             │
└───────┴───────┴──────┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
                       │ *0F8h  Set Shell Interrupt (OEM)                      │
                       │ *0F9h  OEM SHELL service codes                        │
                       └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘



The IBM-PC System Interrupts (in detail) .............................. 2**9

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  00h Divide by Zero                                                │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0000h) (processor error). Automatically called at end of DIV or IDIV
          operation that results in error. Normally set by DOS to display an
          error message and abort the program.

note    On an 8086/8088, the return address points to the following instruction
        On an 80286/80386, the return address points to the divide instruction


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  01h Single step                                                   │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0004h) Taken after every instruction when CPU Trap Flag indicates
          single-step mode (bit 8 of FLAGS is 1). This is what makes the "T"
          command of DEBUG work for single stepping. Is not generated after MOV
          to segment register or POP of segment register. (unless you have a
          very early 8088 with the microcode bug).


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  02h Non-maskable interrupt                                        │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0008h)       Vector not disabled via CLI. Generated by NMI signal in
                hardware. This function is called in the event of a memory
                parity error or may occur in the event of other hardware
                problems or failures depending on the specific manufacturer's
                hardware. Displays the appropriate error message and halts the
                processor.
                 Some AT chip sets apparently use int 02h to signal I/O errors
                as well as parity errors.

                This signal has various uses:
        POST parity error:                  all except PCjr and Convertible
        80x87 coprocessor interrupt:        all except PCjr and Convertible
        Keyboard interrupt:                 PCjr, Convertible
        I/O channel check:                  Convertible, PS/2 50+
        Disk controller power-on request:   Convertible
        System suspend:                     Convertible
        Realtime clock:                     Convertible
        System watchdog timer:              PS/2 50+
        Timeout interrupt:                  PS/2 50+
        DMA timer time-out interrupt:       PS/2 50+
        Infrared keyboard link:             PCjr


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  03h Breakpoint                                                    │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:000Ch)  Taken when CPU executes the 1-byte int 3 (0CCh). Similar to 8080's

(internal) RST instruction. Generally used to set breakpoints for DEBUG.

note 1)  Also used by Turbo Pascal versions 1,2,3 when {$U+} specified.
     2)  Int 3s are sometimes inserted by the Microsoft Linker in response to
         an unresolved symbol.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  04h Divide overflow                                               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0010h)  Generated by INTO instruction if OF flag is set. If flag is not set,

(internal) INTO is effectively a NOP. Used to trap any arithmetic errors when
           program is ready to handle them rather than immediately when they
           occur.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  05h Print Screen                                                  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0014h)  Service dumps the screen to the printer. Invoked by int 9 for shifted
           key 55 (PrtSc). Automatically called by keyboard scan when PrtSc key
           is pressed. Normally executes a routine to print the screen, but may
           call any routine that can safely be executed from inside the keyboard
           handler. Status and result byte are at address 0050:0000.

(internal) BOUND Check Failed (80286+)
           Generated by BOUND instruction when the value to be tested is less
           than the indicated lower bound or greater than the indicated upper
           bound.

entry   AH      05h
return  absolute address 50:0
        00h     print screen has not been called, or upon return from a call
                there were no errors
        01h     print screen is already in progress
        0FFh    error encountered during printing
note 1) Uses BIOS services to read the screen.
     2) Output is directed to LPT1.
     3) Revectored into GRAPHICS.COM if GRAPHICS.COM is loaded.
     4) On the Tandy 1000TX this interrupt can be enabled or disabled across
        the expansion slots via a DIP switch.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  06h Reserved by IBM                                               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0018h)
        On the Tandy 1000TX this interrupt can be enabled or disabled across
        the expansion slots via a DIP switch.

(internal) Undefined Opcode (80286+)



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  07h Reserved by IBM                                               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:00C0h)
        On the Tandy 1000TX this interrupt can be enabled or disabled across
        the expansion slots via a DIP switch.

(internal) No Math Unit Available (80286+)

note    The 80286 and later can be programmed to generate an int 7 whenever
        an ESC instruction is encountered. This could be used to emulate an
        80x87 series coprocessor in software and be transparent to the
        application software. It could also be used to make a non-Intel
        floating point processor emulate an 80x87.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  08h Timer                                                         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0020h)  55ms timer "tick" issued 18.2 times per second.
 (IRQ0)    8259-1 Interrupt Controller
           Updates the system time at [0040:006C] (low word) and [0040:006E]
           (high word) and issues an int 1Ch (timer). (int 1Ch points to an
           IRET instruction unless changed by a resident program). The timer
           interrupt is given the highest maskable interrupt priority upon
           power up.

(internal) Double Fault (80286+ protected mode) Called when multiple exceptions
           occur on one instruction, or an exception occurs in an exception
           handler. If an exception occurs in the double fault handler, the CPU
           goes into SHUTDOWN mode (which circuitry in the PC/AT converts to a
           reset).

entry   AH      08h
return  absolute addresses:
        40:6C   number of interrupts since power on (4 bytes)
        40:70   number of days since power on       (1 byte)
        40:67   day counter on all products after AT
        40:40   motor control count - gets decremented and shuts off diskette
                motor if zero



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  09h Keyboard                                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0024h)  Taken whenever a key is pressed or released. This is normally a scan
 (IRQ1)    code, but may also be an ACK or NAK of a command on AT-type
           keyboards. The hardware provides the key pressed in a non-ASCII scan
           code format read at I/O port 60h. The servicer acknowledges receipt
           of the key by toggling bit 7 of port 61h. (Port 61h should be read
           first, then bit 7 ORed on, output to port 61h, then ANDed off, and
           resent to port 61h).

            The read key is decoded to yield an ASCII character, special
           function key (such as F1) or a control function like Left Shift Key.
           The converted ASCII character is placed into the next available
           position in the circular queue keyboard. It is put in the position
           indicated by queue tail when it will not cause the loss of earlier
           entered data. The queue head points to the oldest key pressed in the
           buffer which has not been removed from the queue (the normal process
           uses int 16h to remove keys from the queue and return the key value
           to the int 16h caller).

            The 16 word queue holds up to 16 keys. If the queue head equals the
            queue tail, the queue is empty. Valid keys in the queue comprise
            the upper byte scan code and the lower byte ASCII character. If the
            key pressed has no ASCII equivalent (i.e F1 to F12), the lower byte
            is zero.

             Toggle and shift keys are not placed in the buffer, but appear in
           the two status bytes at absolute addr. [0040:0017,18].

           Special key combinations will cause other events to occur:
           a) Ctrl-Alt_Del  -  Reset computer by jumping to power_on_reset
           b) Print screen  -  Call int_5_prn_scrn to print the current screen
           c) Ctrl-Break    -  Call int_1Bh control break key processor (DOS)
           d) Pause         -  Wait until an ASCII key is pressed, without
                               placing the key in the queue

(internal) Math Unit Protection Fault (80286+ protected mode)

entry   AH      09h
return  at absolute memory addresses:
        40:17   bit
                0       right shift key depressed
                1       left shift key depressed
                2       control key depressed
                3       alt key depressed
                4       ScrollLock state has been toggled
                5       NumLock state has been toggled
                6       CapsLock state has been toggled
                7       insert state is active
        40:18   bit
                0       left control key depressed
                1       left alt key depressed
                2       SysReq key depressed
                3       Pause key has been toggled
                4       ScrollLock key is depressed
                5       NumLock key is depressed
                6       CapsLock key is depressed
                7       Insert key is depressed
        40:96   bit
                0       last code was the E1h hidden code
                1       last code was the E0h hidden code
                2       right control key down
                3       right alt key down
                4       101 key Enhanced keyboard installed
                5       force NumLock if rd ID & kbx
                6       last character was first ID character
                7       doing a read ID (must be bit 0)
        40:97   bit
                0       ScrollLock indicator
                1       NumLock indicator
                2       CapsLock indicator
                3       circus system indicator
                4       ACK received
                5       resend received flag
                6       mode indicator update
                7       keyboard transmit error flag
        40:1E   keyboard buffer (20h bytes)
        40:1C   buffer tail pointer
        40:72   1234h if ctrl-alt-del pressed on keyboard
     AL   scan code
note 1) Int 05h invoked if PrtSc key pressed.
     2) Int 1Bh invoked if Ctrl-Break key sequence pressed.
     3) Int 15h, AH=85h invoked on AT and after if SysReq key is pressed.
     4) Int 15h, AH=4Fh invoked on machines after AT.
     5) Int 16h, BIOS keyboard functions, uses this interrupt.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  0Ah  EGA Vertical Retrace                                         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0028h)  used by EGA vertical retrace
 (IRQ2)    8259-1 Interrupt Controller
note 1) The TOPS and PCnet adapters use this IRQ line by default.
     2) On systems equipped with 2 interrupt controller chips (8259), IRQ 2
        is used to support the second interrupt controller. In this case,
        int 71h (IRQ 9) is used to replace IRQ 2. Hardware calls to int 71h
        are redirected to this interrupt to maintain compatibility.
     3) Many VGA boards to not use this interrupt.

(internal) Invalid Task State Segment (80286+ protected mode)



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  0Bh  Communications Controller (serial port) hdw. entry           │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:002Ch)  Serial Port 2 (COM2) 8259-1
 (IRQ3)
note 1) IRQ 3 may be used by SDLC (synchronous data-link control) or
        bisynchronous communications cards instead of a serial port.
     2) The TOPS and PCnet adapters use this interrupt request line as an
        alternate.
     3) On PS/2s, COM2 through COM8 share this IRQ.
     4) For most serial boards, COM4 shares this IRQ.
     5) On the Commodore Amiga 2000 with the PC Bridge Board, this interrupt
        is used for communication between the Amiga system board and the
        Bridge Board. This was probably the lowest IRQ level they felt safe
        using, but limits the A2000's use of network cards, etc.
     6) This interrupt is used by part of the stack-switching code added
        to DOS 3.2 for use with Local Area Network adapters.
     7) The PS/2 puts COM3 through COM8 at port addresses above 3FFh (not
        properly decoded by older PCs) and has all of them sharing IRQ3.

(internal) Not Present (80286+ protected mode)
           Generated when loading a segment register if the segment descriptor
           indicates that the segment is not currently in memory. May be used
           to implement virtual memory.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  0Ch  Communications Controller (serial port) Hardware Entry       │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0030h)  Serial Port 1 (COM1) or internal modem in PCjr or Convertible
 (IRQ4)    8259-1
note 1) IRQ 4 may be used by SDLC (synchronous data-link control) or
        bisynchronous communications cards instead of a serial port.
     2) On some PCs, this interrupt is shared by COM3.
     3) Tandy computers use IRQ4 instead of IRQ5 for the hard disk interrupt.
     4) Best performance of mice sometimes happens when they are configured
        for IRQ4 instead of IRQ3, since some mouse drivers may lock system
        interrupts for long periods.

(internal) Stack Fault (80286+ protected mode)
           Generated on stack overflow/underflow. Note that the 80286 will shut
           down in real mode if SP=1 before a push.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  0Dh  Hard Disk                                                    │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0034h)  Miscelleneous uses
 (IRQ5)    8259-1
note 1) Various Tandy 1000 models may use this line for the 60Hhz RAM refresh
        or as "optional bus interrupt."
     2) Used by hard disk on IBM XT and most compatibles.
     3) LPT2 on AT, XT/286, and PS/2
     4) Dummy CRT vertical retrace on PCjr

(internal) General Protection Violation (80286+)
           Called in real mode when an instruction attempts to access a word
           operand located at offset 0FFFFh or a PUSH MEM or POP MEM
           instruction contains an invalid bit code in the second byte, or
           when an instruction exceeds the maximum length allowed (10 bytes
           for 80286, 15 bytes for 80386)


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  0Eh  Diskette Interrupt                                           │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0038h)  Generated by floppy controller on completion of an operation
 (IRQ6)    (sets bit 8 of 40:3E)

(internal) Page Fault (80386+ native mode)


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  0Fh  Reserved by IBM                                              │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:003Ch)  IRQ7 used by 8259 PPI interrupt (LPT1, LPT2)
 (IRQ7)
note 1) Generated by the LPT1 printer adapter when printer becomes ready. Many
        printer adapters do not reliably generate this interrupt.
     2) This interrupt is normally avoided. If a bad interrupt occurs, it will
        vector to this spot (when caused by a misprogrammed 8259 PIC)


       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams
                        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                        │ Shareware Version, 03/16/92 │
                        │  Please Register Your Copy  │
                        └─────────────────────────────┘


                          C H A P T E R    T H R E E


                                THE PC ROM BIOS


                                C O N T E N T S

Calling the ROM BIOS .................................................. 3**1
Interrupt 10h  Video Services ......................................... 3**2
Interrupt 11h  Equipment Check ........................................ 3**3
Interrupt 12h  Memory Size ............................................ 3**4
Interrupt 13h  Disk Functions ......................................... 3**5
Interrupt 14h  Initialize and Access Serial Port ...................... 3**6
               FOSSIL Drivers ......................................... 3**7
Interrupt 15h  Cassette I/O ........................................... 3**8
Interrupt 16h  Keyboard I/O ........................................... 3**9
Interrupt 17h  Printer ................................................ 3**10
Interrupt 18h  ROM BASIC .............................................. 3**11
Interrupt 19h  Bootstrap Loader ....................................... 3**12
Interrupt 1Ah  Time of Day ............................................ 3**13
Interrupt 1Bh  Control-Break .......................................... 3**14
Interrupt 1Ch  Timer Tick ............................................. 3**15
Interrupt 1Dh  Vector of Video Initialization Parameters .............. 3**16
Interrupt 1Eh  Vector of Diskette Controller Parameters ............... 3**17
Interrupt 1Fh  Ptr to Graphics Character Extensions (Graphics Set 2) .. 3**18



 The ROM BIOS is the lowest level of software access. It contains the
following routines:

   (all)
        power-on self-test (POST)
        boostrap loader
        clock
        floppy disk I/O
        video I/O
        keyboard
        serial ports
        parallel ports
        print screen
        equipment check
        report memory size


    (AT)
        hard disk I/O
        report memory size (extended memory)
        extended memory block moves
        enhanced video and keyboard I/O
        high resolution timer
        alarm

  Machines such as the PC Convertible, PCjr, and non-IBM machines add
additional functions.


Calling the ROM BIOS .................................................. 3**1

 The BIOS services are invoked by placing the number of the desired function in
register AH, subfunction in AL, setting the other registers to any specific
requirements of the function, and invoking any of ints 10h through int 1Fh.

 The original IBM PC Technical Reference gave the absolute addresses of the
ROM routines. Some early software jumped directly to these addresses, with
mixed results on non-IBM BIOSes. This practice was common on machines
predating the PC, but there is no practical use for it now. The OS/2
Compatibility Box also does not support jumping directly into the ROM.

 When the interrupt is called, all register and flag values are pushed into the
stack. The interrupt address contains a pointer into an absolute address in the
ROM BIOS chip address space. This location may be further vectored into the
IBMBIO.COM (or equivalent) file or user file.

 The address vector points to a particular BIOS command handler. The handler
pops the register values, compares them to its list of functions, and executes
the function if valid. When the function is complete, it may pass values back
to the command handler. The handler will push the values into the stack and
then return control to the calling program.

 Most functions will return an error code; some return more information.
Details are contained in the listings for the individual functions.

 Register settings listed are the ones used by the BIOS. Some functions will
return with garbage values in unused registers. Do not test for values in
unspecified registers; your program may exhibit odd behavior.


 Three sets of BIOS routines are available: PC BIOS, AT BIOS (also called
CBIOS or "Old compatibility BIOS", and the PS/2 ABIOS "Advanced BIOS".

 The Advanced BIOS is contained in PS/2 ROMs. It is primarily intended for OS
use rather than application use. OS/2 can take advantage of ABIOS routines to
reduce RAM use on PS/2 systems. The ABIOS can be replaced by disk and RAM based
ABIOS code if desired. There is a new BIOS Data Area defined in high memory
that occupies one K of RAM. In OS/2 systems, parts of the ABIOS are replaced
by OS/2 drivers.

 While the CBIOS must be addressed via pointers, the routines in the ABIOS are
fixed in absolute locations so they can be referenced directly by OS/2.

 The ABIOS can run in protected mode, and is fully reentrant. It supports three
types of function requests - single staged, discrete multistaged, or continuous
multistaged. A single-staged request does its job immediately and returns
control to the caller. A discrete multistaged request may happen in two or more
stages with pauses between the stages. The caller may regain control during the
pauses. A continuous multistaged request starts a staged operation that never
ends. (sometimes called a daemon).

 Unlike the CBIOS which is called with software interrupts, ABIOS is accessed
with FAR calls. ABIOS calls are completely reentrant in both real and
protected modes. To call an ABIOS function, the calling program must pass
pointers to two data structures - a request block and a common data area. The
request block specifies the desired function number and the common data area is
a table that contains pointers to all the ABIOS' other tables and data areas.
The common data area's internal structure contains the function transfer
tables which have the addresses of the BIOS routines.

ABIOS stack frame and calling conventions:
       bytes        stack contents
        2       common data area pointer (segment/selector only) required
        4       request block pointer - required
        4       function transfer table pointer - furnished by ABIOS or caller
        4       device block pointer - furnished by ABIOS or caller
        4       return address

 In ABIOS Transfer Convention, only the first two items are required. ABIOS
assigns the second two. In Operating System Transfer Convention, the caller
provides the second two. Since the parameters are not removed from the stack
on return to the caller, the operating system may save the function transfer
table and device addresses after they have been furnished by the ABIOS by a
call.

 ABIOS does no interrupt arbitration. It assumes all interrupts are handled by
the caller or the OS and it is called only for service. If more than one
device is sharing a hardware interrupt, the OS must determine which interrupt
is valid for the ABIOS.

 OS/2 may use the ABIOS if found, but otherwise duplicates the BIOS calls for
the DOS Compatibility Box by vectoring BIOS calls into its own device drivers.
This makes it rather difficult for DOS drivers for mass storage, high
resolution video boards, multitasking APIs using int 15h, etc. If your
software needs to manipulate hardware directly you might want to check if your
code is running under OS/2. The simplest method is to check for DOS version 10
or higher.


note    Some references list an "XT/2" machine, which was reputedly an 8mHz
        8088 with 640k and a clock on the motherboard. IBM doesn't list such
        a machine, and I have a late '86 XT, one of the last made. It is
        pretty much like the older ones.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 10h  Video Services                                          3**2  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0040h)       The BIOS Video Services may be found in Chapter 16.

(internal) Coprocessor Error (80286+)
        Generated by the CPU when the -ERROR pin is asserted by the coprocessor
        (usually 80x87, but may be any multimaster CPU or alternate NDP such
        as Weitek, etc.). ATs and clones usually wire the coprocessor to use
        IRQ13, but not all get it right.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 11h  Equipment Check                                         3**3  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0044h)       Reads the BIOS Data Area and returns two bytes of setup info.
entry   no parameters are required
return  AX      Equipment listing word. Bits are:
                0       number of floppy drives
                        0       no drives
                        1       bootable (IPL) diskette drive installed
                1       math chip
                        0       no math coprocessor (80x87) present
                        1       math coprocessor (80x87) present
         (PS/2) 2       0       mouse not installed
                        1       mouse installed
          (PC)  2,3     system board RAM
                        0,0     16k    (PC-0, PC-1)
                        0,1     32k
                        1,0     48k
                        1,1     64k    (PC-2, XT)
                        note 1) not commonly used. Set both bits to 1
                             2) both bits always 1 in AT
                4,5     initial video mode
                        0,0     no video installed (use with dumb terminal)
                        0,1     40x25 color      (CGA)
                        1,0     80x25 color      (CGA, EGA, PGA, MCGA, VGA)
                        1,1     80x25 monochrome (MDA or Hercules, most super-
                                                  hires mono systems)
                6,7     number of diskette drives (only if bit 0 is 1)
                        0,0     1 drives
                        0,1     2 drives
                        1,0     3 drives
                        1,1     4 drives
                8       0       DMA present
                        1       no DMA (PCjr, some Tandy 1000s, 1400LT)
                9,A,B   number of RS232 serial ports (0-3)
                        0,0,0   none
                        0,0,1   1
                        0,1,0   2
                        0,1,1   3
                        1,0,0   4
                C       0       no game I/O attached
                        1       game I/O attached (default for PCjr)
                D       serial accessory installation
                        0       no serial accessories installed
                        1       Convertible - internal modem installed
                                or PCjr - serial printer attached
                E,F     number of parallel printers
                        0,0     none
                        0,1     one   (LPT1, PRN)
                        1,0     two   (LPT2)
                        1,1     three (LPT3)
                        note    Models before PS/2 would allow a fourth
                                parallel printer. Remapping of the BIOS in the
                                PS/2s does not allow the use of LPT4.
        (386 extended AX)
                23d     0       Weitek ABACUS - virtual '86 EMS page tables
                                not correctly initialized
                        1       Weitek ABACUS - virtual '86 EMS page tables OK

                24d     0       Weitek ABACUS NDP not present
                        1       Weitek ABACUS NDP present




┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 12h  Memory Size                                             3**4  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0048h)       get system memory
entry   no parameters required
return  AX      number of contiguous 1K RAM blocks available for DOS
note 1) This is the same value stored in absolute address 04:13h.
     2) For some early PC models, the amount of memory returned by this call is
        determined by the settings of the dip switches on the motherboard and
        may not reflect all the memory that is physically present.
     3) For the PC/AT, the value returned is the amount of functional memory
        found during the power-on self-test, regardless of the memory size
        configuration information stored in CMOS RAM.
     4) The value returned does not reflect any extended memory (above the 1 Mb
        boundary) that may be present on 80286 or 80386 machines.




┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 13h  Disk Functions                                          3**5  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0049h)       The service calls for BIOS disk functions are located in
                Chapter 8.




┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 14h  Initialize and Access Serial Port For Int 14            3**6  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
 Note:  Some IBM PS/2 Model 50Z machines were delivered with serial ports
        that did not meet specification.  Some cheap clone serial ports may
        also be troublesome.

(0:0050h)       the following status is defined:

        serial status byte:
        bits    0 delta clear to send
                1 delta data set ready
                2 trailing edge ring detector
                3 delta receive line signal detect
                4 clear to send
                5 data set ready
                6 ring indicator
                7 receive line signal detect

        line status byte:
        bits    0 data ready
                1 overrun error
                2 parity error
                3 framing error
                4 break detect
                5 transmit holding register empty
                6 transmit shift register empty
                7 time out  note: if bit 7 set then other bits are invalid

        Though present on the IBM PS/2s, COM3 and COM4 are not widely
        standardized across the industry. The most common definitions are:

        port    addr.   IRQ     interrupt

        COM1    3F8     IRQ4    int 0Ch
        COM2    2F8     IRQ3    int 0Bh
        COM3    3E8     IRQ4    int 0Ch
        COM4    2E8     IRQ3    int 0Bh

        As you can see, COM1/COM3 and COM2/COM4 are siamesed.  Since the ISA
        bus does not support shared interrupts, simultaneous access of two of
        a pair may cause conflict.  For example, a mouse and a modem would not
        coexist well on paired ports.


 All routines have AH=function number and DX=RS232 card number (0 based).
AL=character to send or received character on exit, unless otherwise noted.

entry   AH      00h     Initialize And Access Serial Communications Port
                        bit pattern: BBBPPSLL
                        BBB = baud rate:   110,150,300,600,1200,2400,4800,9600
                        PP  = parity:      01 = odd, 11 = even
                        S   = stop bits:   0 = 1, 1 = 2
                        LL  = word length: 10 = 7-bits, 11 = 8-bits
        AL      parms for initialization:
                bit pattern:
                0       word length
                1       word length
                2       stop bits
                3       parity
                4       parity
                5       baud rate
                6       baud rate
                7       baud rate
                word length     10      7 bits
                                11      8 bits
                stop bits       0       1 stop bit
                                1       2 stop bits
                parity          00      none
                                01      odd
                                11      even
                baud rate       000     110 baud
                                001     150 baud
                                010     300 baud
                                011     600 baud
                                100     1200 baud
                                101     2400 baud
                                110     4800 baud
                                111     9600 baud  (4800 on PCjr)
        DX      port number (0=COM1, 1=COM2, etc.)
return  AH      line status
        AL      modem status
note    To initialize the serial port to > 9600 baud on PS/2 machines, see
        fns 04h and 05h.


Function 01h    Send Character in AL to Comm Port
entry   AH      01h
        AL      character
        DX      port number (0 - 3)
return  AH      RS232 status code
                bit     0       data ready
                        1       overrun error
                        2       parity error
                        3       framing error
                        4       break detected
                        5       transmission buffer register empty
                        6       transmission shift register empty
                        7       timeout
        AL      modem status
                bit
                        0       delta clear-to-send
                        1       delta data-set-ready
                        2       trailing edge ring detected
                        3       change, receive line signal detected
                        4       clear-to-send
                        5       data-set-ready
                        6       ring received
                        7       receive line signal detected


Function 02h    Wait For A Character From Comm Port DX
entry   AH      02h
        DX      port number (0-3)
return  AL      character received
        AH      error code (see above)(00h for no error)


Function 03h    Fetch the Status of Comm Port DX (0 or 1)
entry   AH      03h
        DX      port (0-3)
return  AH      set bits (01h) indicate comm-line status
                bit     7       timeout
                bit     6       empty transmit shift register
                bit     5       empty transmit holding register
                bit     4       break detected ("long-space")
                bit     3       framing error
                bit     2       parity error
                bit     1       overrun error
                bit     0       data ready
        AL      set bits indicate modem status
                bit     7       received line signal detect
                bit     6       ring indicator
                bit     5       data set ready
                bit     4       clear to send
                bit     3       delta receive line signal detect
                bit     2       trailing edge ring detector
                bit     1       delta data set ready
                bit     0       delta clear to send


Function 04h    Extended Initialize                       (Convertible, PS/2)
entry   AH      04h
        AL      break status
                01h     if break
                00h     if no break
        BH      parity
                00h     no parity
                01h     odd parity
                02h     even parity
                03h     stick parity odd
                04h     stick parity even
        BL      number of stop bits
                00h     one stop bit
                01h     2 stop bits (1½ if 5 bit word length)
        CH      word length
                00h     5 bits
                01h     6 bits
                02h     7 bits
                03h     8 bits
        CL      baud rate
                00h     110
                01h     150
                02h     300
                03h     600
                04h     1200
                05h     2400
                06h     4800
                07h     9600
                08h     19200
        DX      comm port (0-3)
return  AH      line control status
        AL      modem status
note    Provides a superset of fn 00h capabilities for PS/2 machines.


Function 05h    Extended Communication Port Control       (Convertible, PS/2)
entry   AH      05h
        AL      00h     read modem control register
                01h     write modem control register
        BL      modem control register
           bits 0       DTR data terminal ready
                1       RTS request to send
                2       out1
                3       out2
                4       loop
                5,6,7   reserved
        DX      port number (0=COM1, 1=COM2, etc.)
return  AH      port status (see 00h above)
        AL      modem status (see 00h above)
        BL      modem control register (see 01h above)



FOSSIL Drivers ........................................................ 3**7

Interrupt  14h  FOSSIL (Fido/Opus/Seadog Standard Interface Level) drivers
                A FOSSIL is a device driver for handling the IBM PC serial
                communications ports in a standard fashion from an application
                (communications) program. A FOSSIL chains into the int 14h BIOS
                communications vector and replaces many functions with enhanced
                routines that may be easily accessed by an application.

                For all functions, all registers not specifically containing a
                function return value must be preserved across the call.


entry   AH      00h     Set baud rate and parameters
        AL      byte
                bits 7,6,5 baudrate
                000     19200 baud
                001     38400 baud
                010     300 baud
                011     600 baud
                100     1200 baud
                101     2400 baud
                110     4800 baud
                111     9600 baud
                bits 4,3 parity
                00      none
                01      odd
                10      none
                11      even
                bit 2 stop bits
                0       1 stop bit
                1       2 stop bits
                bit 1 char length
                0       5 bits plus value
                other   optional
        DX      port number (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  AX      status (see fn 03h)
note    Low-order 5 bits are undefined by FOSSIL 1.0 spec.


entry   AH      01h     Transmit character with wait
        AL      ASCII value of character to be sent
        DX      port number (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  AX      status bits (see function 03h)
note 1) Character is queued for transmission. If there is room in the
        transmitter buffer when this call is made, the character will be stored
        and control returned to caller. If the buffer is full, the driver will
        wait for room. Use this function with caution when flow control is
        enabled.


entry   AH      02h     FOSSIL: Receive a character with wait
        DX      port number (0-3) (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  AH      RS-232 status code (see AH=00h above)
        AL      ASCII value of character received from serial port
note    Will timeout if DSR is not asserted, even if function 03h returns
        data ready.


entry   AH      03h     FOSSIL: Request status
        DX      port number  (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  AX      status bit mask
                AH      bit 0 set  RDA     input data is available in buffer
                            1 set  OVRN    input buffer overrun
                            2 N/A
                            3 N/A
                            4 N/A
                            5 set  THRE    room is available in output buffer
                            6 set  TSRE    output buffer is empty
                            7 N/A
                AL      bit 0 N/A
                            1 N/A
                            2 N/A
                            3 set          this bit is always set
                            4 N/A
                            5 N/A
                            6 N/A
                            7 set  DCD     carrier detect
note    Bit 3 of AL is always returned set to enable programs to use it as a
        carrier detect bit on hardwired (null modem) links.


entry   AH      04h     Initialize FOSSIL driver
        BX      4F50h                      (optional)
        DX      port number                (DX=00FFh special)
        ES:CX   pointer to ^C flag address (optional)
return  AX      1954h if successful
        BL      maximum function number supported (excluding 7Eh-0BFh)
        BH      revision of FOSSIL supported
note 1) DTR is raised when FOSSIL inits.
     2) Existing baudrate is preserved.
     3) If BX contains 4F50h, the address specified in ES:CX is that of a ^C
        flag byte in the application program, to be incremented when ^C is
        detected in the keyboard service routines. This is an optional service
        and only need be supported on machines where the keyboard service can't
        (or won't) perform an int 1Bh or int 23h when a control-C is entered.


entry   AH      05h     Deinitialize FOSSIL driver
        DX      port number  (DX=00FFh special)
return  none
note 1) DTR is not affected.
     2) Disengages driver from comm port. Should be done when operations on the
        port are complete.
     3) If DX=00FFh, the initialization that was performed when FOSSIL function
        04h with DX=00FFh should be undone.


entry   AH      06h     FOSSIL: Raise/lower DTR
        AL      DTR state to be set
                00h     lower DTR
                01h     raise DTR
        DX      comm port (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  none


entry   AH      07h     FOSSIL: Return timer tick parameters
return  AH      ticks per second on interrupt number shown in AL
        AL      timer tick interrupt number (not vector!)
        DX      milliseconds per tick (approximate)


entry   AH      08h     FOSSIL: Flush output buffer
        DX      port number (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  none
note    Waits until all output is done.


entry   AH      09h     FOSSIL: Purge output buffer
        DX      port number (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  none
note    Returns to caller immediately.


entry   AH      0Ah     FOSSIL: Purge input buffer
        DX      port number (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  none
note 1) If any flow control restraint has been employed (dropping RTS or
        transmitting XOFF) the port will be "released" by doing the reverse,
        raising RTS or sending XON.
     2) Returns to caller immediately.


entry   AH      0Bh     FOSSIL: Transmit no wait
        AL      ASCII character value to be sent
        DX      port number (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  AX      0000h   character not accepted
                0001h   character accepted
note    This is exactly the same as the "regular" transmit call except that if
        there is no space available in the output buffer a value of zero is
        returned in AX, if room is available a value 1 (one) is returned.


entry   AH      0Ch     FOSSIL: Nondestructive Read no Wait
        DX      port number (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  AH      character
                0FFFFh  character not available
note 1) Reads async buffer.
     2) Does not remove keycode from buffer.


entry   AH      0Dh     FOSSIL: Keyboard read no wait
return  AX      IBM keyboard scan code or
                0FFFFh if no keyboard character available
note 1) Use IBM-style function key mapping in the high order byte.
     2) Scan codes for non function keys are not specifically required but may
        be included.
     3) Does not remove keycode from buffer.


entry   AH      0Eh     FOSSIL: Keyboard input with wait
return  AX      IBM keyboard scan code
note    Returns the next character from the keyboard or waits if no character
        is available.


entry   AH      0Fh     Enable or Disable flow control
        AL      bit mask describing requested flow control
           bits 0       XON/XOFF on transmit (watch for XOFF while sending)
                1       CTS/RTS (CTS on transmit/RTS on receive)
                2       reserved
                3       XON/XOFF on receive (send XOFF when buffer near full)
                4-7     not used, FOSSIL spec calls for setting to 1
        DX      port number (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  none
note 1) Bit 2 is reserved for DSR/DTR,  but is not currently supported in any
        implementation.
     2) TRANSMIT flow control allows the other end to restrain the transmitter
        when you are overrunning it. RECEIVE flow control tells the FOSSIL to
        attempt to do just that if it is being overwhelmed.
     3) Enabling transmit Xon/Xoff will cause the FOSSIL to stop transmitting
        upon receiving an Xoff. The FOSSIL will resume transmitting when an Xon
        is received.
     4) Enabling CTS/RTS will cause the FOSSIL to cease transmitting when CTS
        is lowered. Transmission will resume when CTS is raised. The FOSSIL
        will drop RTS when the receive buffer reaches a predetermined
        percentage full. The FOSSIL will raise RTS when the receive buffer
        empties below the predetermined percentage full. The point(s) at which
        this occurs is left to the individual FOSSIL implementor.
     5) Enabling receive Xon/Xoff will cause the FOSSIL to send a Xoff when the
        receive buffer reaches a pre-determined percentage full. An Xon will be
        sent when the receive buffer empties below the predetermined percentage
        full. The point(s) at which this occurs is left to the individual
        FOSSIL implementor.
     6) Applications using this function should set all bits ON in the high
        nibble of AL as well. There is a compatible (but not identical) FOSSIL
        driver implementation that uses the high nibble as a control mask. If
        your application sets the high nibble to all ones, it will always work,
        regardless of the method used by any given driver.


entry   AH      10h     Extended Ctrl-C/Ctrl-K checking and transmit on/off
        AL      flags bit mask byte (bit set if activated)
           bits 0       enable/disable Ctrl-C/Ctrl-K checking
                1       disable/enable the transmitter
                2-7     not used
        DX      port number (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  AX      status byte
                0000h   control-C/K has not been received
                0001h   control-C/K has been received
note    This is used primarily for programs that can't trust XON/XOFF at FOSSIL
        level (such as BBS software).


entry   AH      11h     FOSSIL: Set current cursor location.
        DH      row (line) 0-24
        DL      column     0-79
return  none
note 1) This function looks exactly like the int 10h, fn 02h on the IBM PC.
        The cursor location is passed in DX: row in DH and column in DL. This
        function treats the screen as a coordinate system whose origin (0,0) is
        the upper left hand corner of the screen.
     2) Row and column start at 0.


entry   AH      12h     FOSSIL: Read current cursor location.
return  DH      row (line)
        DL      column
note 1) Looks exactly like int 10h/fn 03h in the IBM PC BIOS. The current
        cursor location (same coordinate system as function 16h) is passed back
        in DX.
     2) Row and column start at 0.


entry   AH      13h     FOSSIL: Single character ANSI write to screen.
        AL      value of character to display
return  none
note    This call might not be reentrant since ANSI processing may be through
        DOS.


entry   AH      14h     FOSSIL: Enable or disable watchdog processing
        AL      00h     to disable watchdog
                01h     to enable watchdog
        DX      port number (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  none
note 1) This call will cause the FOSSIL to reboot the system if Carrier Detect
        for the specified port drops while watchdog is turned on.
     2) The port need not be active for this function to work.


entry   AH      15h     Write character to screen using BIOS support routines
        AL      ASCII code of character to display
return  none
note 1) This function is reentrant.
     2) ANSI processing may not be assumed.


entry   AH      16h     Insert or Delete a function from the timer tick chain
        AL      00h     to delete a function
                01h     to add a function
        ES:DX   address of function
return  AX      0000h   successful
                0FFFFh  unsuccessful


entry   AH      17h     FOSSIL: Reboot system
        AL      boot type
                00h     cold boot
                01h     warm boot
return  none


entry   AH      18h     FOSSIL: Read block
        CX      maximum number of characters to transfer
        DX      port number (NOP if DX=00FFh)
        ES:DI   pointer to user buffer
return  AX      number of characters transferred
note 1) This function does not wait for more characters to become available if
        the value in CX exceeds the number of characters currently stored.
     2) ES:DI are left unchanged by the call; the count of bytes actually
        transferred will be returned in AX.


entry   AH      19h     FOSSIL: Write block
        CX      maximum number of characters to transfer
        DX      port number  (NOP if DX=00FFh)
        ES:DI   pointer to user buffer
return  AX      number of characters transfered
note    ES and DI are not modified by this call.


entry   AH      1Ah     FOSSIL: Break signal begin or end
        AL      00h     stop sending 'break'
                01h     start sending 'break'
        DX      port number  (NOP if DX=00FFh)
return  none
note 1) Resets all transmit flow control restraints such as an XOFF received
        from remote.
     2) Init (fn 04h) or UnInit (fn 05h) will stop an in-progress break.
     3) The application must determine the "length" of the break.


entry   AH      1Bh     FOSSIL: Return information about the driver
        CX      size of user buffer in bytes
        DX      port number  (if DX=00FFh, port data will not be valid)
        ES:DI   pointer to user buffer
return  AX      number of characters transferred
        ES:DI   user buffer structure:
                00h     word    size of structure in bytes
                02h     byte    FOSSIL driver version
                03h     byte    revision level of this specific driver
                04h     dword   FAR pointer to ASCII ID string
                08h     word    size of the input buffer in bytes
                0Ah     word    number of bytes in input buffer
                0Ch     word    size of the output buffer in bytes
                0Eh     word    number of bytes in output buffer
                10h     byte    width of screen in characters
                11h     byte    screen height in characters
                12h     byte    actual baud rate, computer to modem
                                (see mask in function 00h
note 1) The baud rate byte contains the bits that fn 00h would use to set the
        port to that speed.
     2) The fields related to a particular port (buffer size, space left in the
        buffer, baud rate) will be undefined if port=0FFh or an invalid port is
        contained in DX.
     3) Additional information will always be passed after these, so that the
        fields will never change with FOSSIL revision changes.


entry   AH      7Eh     FOSSIL: Install an external application function
        AL      code assigned to external application
        ES:DX   pointer to entry point
return  AX      1954h   FOSSIL driver present
            not 1954h   FOSSIL driver not present
        BH      00h     failed
                01h     successful
        BL      code assigned to application (same as input AL)
note 1) Application codes 80h-0BFh are supported. Codes 80h-83h are reserved.
     2) An error code of BH=00h with AX=1954h should mean that another external
        application has already been installed with the code specified in AL.
     3) Applications are entered via a FAR call and should make a FAR return.


entry   AH      7Fh     FOSSIL: Remove an external application function
        AL      code assigned to external application
        ES:DX   pointer to entry point
return  AX      1954h
        BH      00h     failed
                01h     successful
        BL      code assigned to application (same as input AL)



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 15h  Cassette I/O                                            3**8  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0054h)    1) Renamed "System Services" on PS/2 line.
             2) Issuing int 15h on an XT may cause a system crash.
                On AT and after, interrupts are disabled with CLI when the
                interrupt service routine is called, but most ROM versions do
                not restore interrupts with STI.
             3) For the original IBM PC, int 15h returns AH=80h and CF set for
                all calls with AH not 0,1, or 2.
             4) For the PC/XT int 15h returns AH=86h, CF set if called at all.
                (the PC/XT ROM BIOS does not support int 15h)
             5) For the AT/339, int 15h returns AH=86h, CF set if called with
                an invalid function code.


Function 00h    Turn Cassette Motor On                          (PC, PCjr only)
entry   AH      00h
return  CF      set on error
                AH      error code
                        00h     no errors
                        01h     CRC error
                        02h     bad tape signals
                                no data transitions (PCjr)
                        03h     no data found on tape
                                not used (PCjr)
                        04h     no data
                                no leader (PCjr)
                        80h     invalid command
                        86h     no cassette present
                                not valid in PCjr
note    NOP for systems where cassette not supported.


Function 01h    Turn Cassette Motor Off                         (PC, PCjr only)
entry   AH      01h
return  CF      set on error
        AH      error code (86h)
note    NOP for systems where cassette not supported.


Function 02h    Read Blocks From Cassette                       (PC, PCjr only)
entry   AH      02h
        CX      number of bytes to read
        ES:BX   segment:offset + 1 of last byte read
return  CF      set on error
                AH      error code (01h, 02h, 04h, 80h, 86h)
        DX      count of bytes actually read
        ES:BX   pointer past last byte written
note 1) NOP for systems where cassette not supported.
     2) Cassette operations normally read 256 byte blocks.


Function 03h    Write Data Blocks to Cassette                   (PC, PCjr only)
entry   AH      03h
        CX      count of bytes to write
        ES:BX   pointer to data buffer
return  CF      set on error
                AH      error code (80h, 86h)
        CX      00h
        ES:BX   pointer to last byte written+1
note 1) NOP for systems where cassette not supported.
     2) The last block is padded to 256 bytes with zeroes if needed.
     3) No errors are returned by this service.


Function 0Fh    ESDI Format Unit Periodic Interrupt          (PS/2 50+)
entry   AH      0Fh
        AL      phase code
                00h     reserved
                01h     surface analysis
                02h     formatting
return  CF      clear   if formatting should continue
                set     if it should terminate
note 1) Called the BIOS on the ESDI Fixed Disk Drive Adapter/A during a format
        or surface analysis operation after each cylinder is completed.
     2) This function call can be captured by a program so that it will be
        notified as each cylinder is formatted or analyzed. The program can
        count interrupts for each phase to determine the current cylinder
        number.
     3) The BIOS default handler for this function returns with CF set.


Function 10h    TopView API Function Calls                      (TopView)
                see Chapter 17


Function 20h    PRINT.COM  (DOS 3.1+ internal)         (AT, XT/286, PS/2 50+)
entry   AH      20h
        AL      subfunction
                00h     disable critical region flag
                01h     set critical region flag
                        ES:BX   pointer to flag byte set while inside DOS calls
                10h     set up SysReq routine
                11h     completion of SysReq routine (software only)


Function 21h    Read Power-On Self Test (POST) Error Log           (PS/2 50+)
entry   AH      21h
        AL      00h     read POST log
                01h     write POST log
                        BH      device ID
                        BL      device error code
return  CF      set on error
        AH      status
                00h     successful read
                        BX      number of POST error codes stored
                        ES:DI   pointer to error log
                01h     list full
                80h     invalid command
                86h     function unsupported
note    The log is a series of words, the first byte of which identifies the
        error code and the second is the device ID.


Function 40h    Read/Modify Profiles                            (Convertible)
entry   AH      40h
        AL      00h     read system profile in CX,BX
                01h     write system profile from CX, BX
                02h     read internal modem profile in BX
                03h     write internal modem profile from BX
        BX      profile info
return  BX      internal modem profile (from 02h)
        CX,BX   system profile (from 00h)


Function 41h    Wait On External Event                          (Convertible)
entry   AH      41h
        AL      condition type
           bits 0-2     condition to wait for
                        0,0,0   any external event
                        0,0,1   compare and return if equal
                        0,1,0   compare and return if not equal
                        0,1,1   test and return if not zero
                        1,0,0   test and return if zero
                3       reserved
                4       0       user byte
                        1       port address
                5-7     reserved
        BH      condition compare or mask value
                condition codes:
                00h     any external event
                01h     compare and return if equal
                02h     compare and return if not equal
                03h     test and return if not zero
                04h     test and return if zero
        BL      timeout value times 55 milliseconds
                00h     if no time limit
        DX      I/O port address (if AL bit 4=1)
        ES:DI   pointer to user byte (if AL bit 4=0)


Function 42h    Request System Power Off                        (Convertible)
entry   AH      42h
        AL      00h     to use system profile
                01h     to force suspend regardless of profile
return  unknown


Function 43h    Read System Status                              (Convertible)
entry   AH      43h
return  AL      status byte
            bit 0       LCD detached
                1       reserved
                2       RS232/parallel powered on
                3       internal modem powered on
                4       power activated by alarm
                5       bad time
                6       external power in use
                7       battery low


Function 44h    (De)activate Internal Modem Power               (Convertible)
entry   AH      44h
        AL      00h      to power off
                01h      to power on
return  unknown


Function 4Fh    OS Hook - Keyboard Intercept          (except PC, PCjr, and XT)
entry   AH      4Fh
        AL      scan code, CF set
return  AL      scan code
        CF      set     processing desired
                clear   scan code should not be used
note 1) Called by int 9 handler for each keystroke to translate scan codes.
     2) An OS or a TSR can capture this function to filter the raw keyboard
        data stream. The new handler can substitute a new scan code, return the
        same scan code, or return the carry flag clear causing the keystroke to
        be discarded. The BIOS default routine simply returns the scan code
        unchanged.
     3) A program can call int 15h/fn0C0h to determine whether the host
        machine's BIOS supports keyboard intercept.
     4) Used internally by PC-MOS/386 v4.00+ for keyboard input.
     5) Some BIOSes do not properly support this call. However, some versions
        of KEYB.COM provide additional 4Fh support.


Function 52h    MicroSoft RAM-Resident Software Specification 1.0
                This standard was proposed by MicroSoft in 1986 as a common
                interface for TSR programs. It appears to have been largely
                unknown or disregarded.

Function 0: Get Program Information by Name
entry   DS:BX   The Program ID of the memory-resident program to look for
return  AL      0FFh    if the program we are looking for is installed
                00h     if it is not installed
        CX      The number of this program. The first program installed is
                number 0, with the second program being number 1, etc. By using
                a dynamic numbering system, we avoid conflicts between programs
                that might otherwise choose the same ID. We also provide a good
                way to scan all the resident programs using function 1.
        ES:DX   pointer to the Program ID Record (PIDR)
note    This function tests to see if a program is memory resident and returns
        a pointer to its program information if it is resident. To use this
        function, set DS:BX to point to the program ID. Each installed program
        will check to see if this program ID agrees with its own internal
        program ID.

Function 1: Get Program Information by Number
entry   CX      Number of the program we want the information for

return  AL      0FFh    if the program we are looking for is installed
                00h     if it is not installed
        ES:DX   pointer to the Program ID Record (PIDR)
note    This function returns exactly the same information as function 0. The
        only difference is how we identify the program we want, which is
        determined by its position in the interrupt chain; program 0 is the
        last program in the chain, and the first program in the chain (usually
        the most recently installed) has the highest number.

Function 2: Activate Program
entry   CX      The number of the program we want to activate
        DS:BX   Activation Record. This record will give program information on
                how and what it should activate within the program
return  none
note    This function activates one of the installed programs. It is useful
        if you want to control many desk accessories with a single control
        panel like the one used in SideKick. You can also use it with a
        program like ProKey to run a named macro under program control, or
        with SideKick to bring up one of the desk accessories from within a
        program or batch file.

Function 3: Deactivate Program
entry   CX      The number of the program we want to deactivate
        DS:BX   Deactivation Record. This record will give program information
                on how and what it should deactivate within the program
return  none
note    This function is the opposite of function 2 (activate program).

Function 4: Enable Program
entry   CX      The number of the program we want to enable
        DS:BX   Enable mask record. This mask describes what features we want
                to enable. A null record enables all the features.
return  none
note    This function is the opposite of function 5 (disable program).

Function 5: Disable Program
entry   CX      The number of the program we want to disable
        DS:BX   Disable mask record.  This mask describes what features we want
                to disable. A null record disables all the features.
return  none
note    Sometimes it becomes necessary to disable a program to prevent it from
        conflicting with another program, this function is designed to do that.
        This function is the opposite of function 4 (Enable Program).


Function 70h    EEROM handler                                (Tandy 1000HX)
entry   AH      00h     read from EEROM
                BL      00h
                01h     write to EEROM
                BL      word number to write (0-15)
                DX      word value to write
return  DX      (AH=00h) word value
        CF      set on error (system is not a Tandy 1000 HX)


Function 80h    OS Hook - Device Open                        (AT, XT/286, PS/2)
entry   AH      80h
        BX      device ID
        CX      process ID
return  CF      set on error
        AH      status
note 1) Acquires ownership of a logical device for a process.
     2) This call, along with fns 81h and 82h, defines a simple protocol that
        can be used to arbitrate usage of devices by multiple processes. A
        multitasking program manager would be expected to capture int 15h and
        provide the appropriate service.
     3) The default BIOS routine for this function simply returns with CF clear
        and AH=00h.


Function 81h    Device Close                               (AT, XT/286, PS/2)
entry   AH      81h
        BX      device ID
        CX      process ID
return  CF      set on error
        AH      status
note 1) Releases ownership of a logical device for a process.
     2) A multitasking program manager would be expected to capture int 15h and
        provide the appropriate service.
     3) The BIOS default routine for this function simply returns with the CF
        clear and AH=00h.


Function 82h    Program Termination                          (AT, XT/286, PS/2)
        AH      82h
        BX      device ID
return  CF      set on error
        AH      status
note 1) Closes all logical devices opened with function 80h.
     2) A multitasking program manager would be expected to capture int 15h and
        provide the appropriate service.
     3) The BIOS default routine for this function simply returns with CF clear
        and AH=00h.


Function 83h    Event Wait                 (AT, XT/286, Convertible, PS/2 50+)
entry   AH      83h
        AL      00h     to set interval
                01h     to cancel
        CX:DX   number of microseconds to wait (granularity is 976 microseconds)
        ES:BX   pointer to semaphore flag (bit 7 is set when interval expires)
                (pointer is to caller's memory) (some sources list bit 15 set)
return  CF      clear   OK
                set     function already busy
note 1) Requests setting of a semaphore after a specified interval or cancels a
        previous request.
     2) The calling program is responsible for clearing the semaphore before
        requesting this function.
     3) The actual duration of an event wait is always an integral multiple of
        976 microseconds. The CMOS date/clock chip interrupts are used to
        implement this function.
     4) Use of this function allows programmed, hardware-independent delays at
        a finer resolution than can be obtained through use of the MS-DOS Get
        Time function (int 21h/fn 2Ch) which returns time in hundredths of a
        second.
     5) CX:DX is a four-byte integer.
     7) This function is called by int 70h and is not the normal Int 08h/1Ch
        clock tick. It is generated by the MC146818A Real Time Clock chip.
        This is the battery backed up CMOS clock chip.


Function 84h    Read Joystick Input Settings                 (AT, XT/286, PS/2)
entry   AH      84h
        DX      00h     to read the current switch settings  (return in AL)
                01h     to read the resistive inputs
return  CF      set on error
        (fn 00h)
        AL      switch settings (bits 7-4)
        (fn 01h)
        AX      stick A (X) value
        BX      stick A (Y) value
        CX      stick B (X) value
        DX      stick B (Y) value
note 1) An error is returned if DX does not contain a valid subfunction number.
     2) If no game adapter is installed, all returned values are 00h.
     3) Using a 250K Ohm joystick, the potentiometer values usually lie within
        the range 0-416 (0000h-01A0h).


Function 85h    System Request (SysReq) Key Pressed        (except PC, PCjr, XT)
entry   AH      85h
        AL      00h      key pressed
                01h      key released
return  CF      set on error
        AH      error code
note 1) Called by BIOS keyboard decode routine when the SysReq key is detected.
     2) The BIOS handler for this call is a dummy routine that always returns a
        success status unless called with an invalid subfunction number in AL.
     3) A multitasking program manager would be expected to capture int 15h so
        that it can be notified when the user strikes the SysReq key.


Function 86h    Delay                                 (except PC, PCjr, XT)
        AH      86h
        CX:DX   4-byte integer, number of microseconds to wait
                CX high word, DX low word
return  CF      clear   after wait elapses
        CF      set     immediately due to error
note 1) Suspends the calling program for a specified interval in microseconds.
     2) The actual duration of the wait is always an integral multiple of 976
        microseconds.
     3) Use of this function allows programmed, hardware-independent delays at
        a finer resolution than can be obtained through use of the MS-DOS Get
        Time function (int 21h fn 2Ch) which returns time in hundredths of a
        second).
     4) This function calls int 70h and is not the normal Int 08h/1Ch
        clock tick. It is generated by the MC146818A Real Time Clock chip.
        This is the battery backed up CMOS clock chip.


Function 87h    Memory Block Move                       (2-3-486 machines only)
        AH      87h
        CX      number of words to move
        ES:SI   pointer to Global Descriptor Table (GDT)
                offset 00h-0Fh  reserved, set to zero
                           00h  null descriptor
                           08h  uninitialized, will be made into GDT descriptor
                       10h-11h  source segment length in bytes
                                (2*CX-1 or greater)
                       12h-14h  24-bit linear source address
                       15h      access rights byte (always 93h)
                       16h-17h  reserved, set to zero
                       18h-19h  destination segment length in bytes
                                (2*CX-1 or greater)
                       1Ah-1Ch  24-bit linear destination address
                       1Dh      access rights byte (always 93h)
                       1Eh-1Fh  reserved, set to zero
                           20h *uninitialized, used by BIOS
                           28h *uninitialized, will be made into SS descriptor
                              (*) some sources say initialized to zero
return  CF      set on error
        AH      status
                00h     success - source copied into destination
                01h     RAM parity error
                02h     exception interrupt error
                03h     address line 20 gating failed
note 1) The GDT table is composed of six 8-byte descriptors to be used by the
        CPU in protected mode. The four descriptors in offsets 00h-0Fh and
        20h-2Fh are filled in by the BIOS before the CPU mode switch.
     2) The addresses used in the descriptor table are linear (physical)
        24-bit addresses in the range 000000h-0FFFFFFh - not segments and
        offsets - with the least significant byte at the lowest address and the
        most significant byte at the highest address.
     3) Interrupts are disabled during this call; use may interfere with the
        operation of comm programs, network drivers, or other software that
        relies on prompt servicing of hardware interrupts.
     4) This call is not valid in the OS/2 Compatibility Box.
     5) This call will move a memory block from any real or protected mode
        address to any other real or protected mode address.
     6) DESQview does not intercept function 87, but QEXT and QEMM do, thereby
        allowing function 87 to work correctly inside DV.  VDISK, which uses
        function 87, works inside DV.  If VDISK is sitting at the 1 MB mark,
        then the int 19h vector will have a VDISK signature in it.  The normal
        way to check for VDISK presence is by checking for the string "VDISK"
        at offset 12h of the segment of the int 19h vector.  If the string
        matches, then you can determine how much extended memory is reserved
        for VDISK by looking at offset 2Ch is the 3-byte address of the lowest
        extended memory address NOT in use by VDISK (i.e. if you see at 2Ch
        "00 00 14" then that means that VDISK is using memory up to 1 MB +
        256K).


Function 88h    Get Extended Memory Size                   (AT, XT/286, PS/2)
entry   AH      88h
return  AX      number of contiguous 1K blocks of extended memory starting at
                address 1024k
note 1) This call will not work in the OS/2 Compatibility Box.
     2) Some BIOSes and software manipulate the Carry Flag when this function
        is called. When tested on a vanilla 386 with AMI BIOS the machine
        returned with the carry flag set. When 386-to-the-Max was loaded, the
        flag was not set.
     3) Used by IBM VDISK 4.0.


Function 89h    Switch Processor to Protected Mode         (AT, XT/286, PS/2)
entry   AH      89h
        BH      interrupt number for IRQ0, written to ICW2 of 8259 PIC #1
                (must be evenly divisible by 8, determines IRQ0-IRQ7)
        BL      interrupt number for IRQ8, written to ICW2 of 8259 PIC #2
                (must be evenly divisible by 8, determines IRQ8-IRQ15)
        ES:SI   pointer to 8-entry Global Descriptor Table for protected mode:
                offset  00h     null descriptor, initialized to zero
                        08h     GDT descriptor
                        10h     IDT (Interrupt Descriptor Table) descriptor
                        18h     DS, user's data segment
                        20h     ES, user's extra segment
                        28h     SS, user's stack segment
                        30h     CS, user's code segment
                        38h     uninitialized, used to build descriptor for
                                BIOS code segment
return  CF      set on error
                AH      0FFh  error enabling address line 20
        CF      clear   function successful (CPU is in protected mode)
                AH      00h
                CS      user-defined selector
                DS      user-defined selector
                ES      user-defined selector
                SS      user-defined selector
note 1) The user must initialize the first seven descriptors; the eighth is
        filled in by the BIOS to provide addressability for its own execution.
        The calling program may modify and use the eighth descriptor for any
        purpose after return from this function call.
     2) Intercepted by Microsoft's HIMEM.SYS and Quarterdeck's QEMM.SYS.


Function 90h    Device Busy Loop                         (except PC, PCjr, XT)
entry   AH      90h
        AL      predefined device type code:
                00h     disk                                     (may timeout)
                01h     diskette                                 (may timeout)
                02h     keyboard                                 (no timeout)
                03h     PS/2 pointing device                     (may timeout)
                80h     network
                                                                 (no timeout)
                0FCh    hard disk reset (PS/2)                   (may timeout)
                0FDh    diskette motor start                     (may timeout)
                0FEh    printer                                  (may timeout)
        ES:BX   pointer to request block for type codes 80h through 0FFh
                (for network adapters ES:BX is a pointer to network control
                block)
return  CF      set     if wait time satisfied
                clear   if driver must perform wait
note 1) Used by NETBIOS, TOPS Network, Tom Wagner's CTASK multitasker.
     2) Generic type codes are allocated as follows:
        00h-7Fh   non-reentrant devices; OS must arbitrate access
                  serially reusable devices
        80h-0BFh  reentrant devices; ES:BX points to a unique control block
        0C0h-0FFh wait-only calls, no complementary POST int 15/fn 91h call
     3) Invoked by the BIOS disk, printer, network, and keyboard handlers prior
        to performing a programmed wait for I/O completion.
     4) A multitasking program manager would be expected to capture int 15h/
        fn 90h so that it can dispatch other tasks while I/O is in progress.
     5) The default BIOS routine for this function simply returns with the CF
        clear and AH=00h.


Function 91h    Interrupt Completed                     (AT, XT/286, PS/2 50+)
entry   AH      91h
        AL      type code (see AH=90h above)
                00h-7Fh  serially reusable devices
                80h-0BFh reentrant devices
        ES:BX   pointer to request block for type codes 80h through 0BFh
return  AH       00h
note 1) Used by NETBIOS and TOPS network, Tom Wagner's CTASK multitasker.
     2) Invoked by the BIOS disk network, and keyboard handlers to signal that
        I/O is complete and/or the device is ready.
     3) Predefined device types that may use Device POST are:
        00H  disk                   (may timeout)
        01H  floppy disk            (may timeout)
        02H  keyboard               (no timeout)
        03H  PS/2 pointing device   (may timeout)
        80H  network                (no timeout)
     4) The BIOS printer routine does not invoke this function because printer
        output is not interrupt driven.
     5) A multitasking program manager would be expected to capture int 15h/
        fn 91h so that it can be notified when I/O is completed and awaken the
        requesting task.
     6) The default BIOS routine for this function simply returns with the CF
        flag clear and AH=00h.


Function 0C0h   Get System Configuration      (XT after 1/10/86, PC Convertible,
                                               XT/286, AT, PS/2)
entry   AH      0C0h
return  CF      set     if BIOS doesn't support call
        ES:BX   pointer to ROM system descriptor table
          bytes 00h-01h number of bytes in the following table (norm. 16 bytes)
                02h     system ID byte; see Chapter 2 for interpretation
                03h     secondary ID distingushes between AT and XT/286, etc.
                04h     BIOS revision level, 0 for 1st release, 1 for 2nd, etc.
                05h     feature information byte
                   bits 0       reserved
                        1       Micro Channel bus (instead of ISA or EISA)
                        2       extended BIOS area allocated at 640k
                        3       wait for external event supported (int 15fn41)
                                 used on Convertible; reserved on PS/2 systems
                        4       kbd intrcpt:int 15h, fn 04h called upon int 09h
                        5       realtime clock installed
                        6       second 8259 installed (cascaded IRQ2)
                        7       DMA channel 3 - used by hard disk BIOS
                06h     unknown (set to 0) (reserved by IBM)
                07h     unknown (set to 0) (reserved by IBM)
                08h     unknown (set to 0)
                09h     unknown (set to 0) (Award BIOS copyright here)
note 1) Int 15h is also used for the Multitask Hook on PS/2 machines. No
        register settings available yet.
     2) The 1/10/86 XT BIOS returns an incorrect value for the feature byte.
     3) Novell documents some versions of Netware prior to 2.2 as having
        problems on PS/2 machines due to a bug which did not return from the
        interrupt correctly.
     4) Some AMI BIOSes do not support this function. (early Dell machines)


Function 0C1h   Return Extended BIOS Data Area Segment Address         (PS/2)
entry   AH      0C1h
return  CF      set on error
        ES      segment of XBIOS data area
note 1) The XBIOS Data Area is allocated at the high end of conventional memory
        during the POST (Power-On-Self-Test) sequence.
     2) The word at 0040:0013h (memory size) is updated to reflect the reduced
        amount of memory available for DOS and application programs.
     3) The 1st byte in the XBIOS Data Area is initialized to its length in K.
     4) A program can determine whether the XBIOS Data Area exists by using
        int 15h/fn 0C0h.


Function 0C2h   Pointing Device BIOS Interface      (DesQview 2.x)    (PS/2)
entry   AH      0C2h
        AL      00h     Enable/Disable Pointing Device
                        BH      00h     disable
                                01h     enable
                01h     Reset Pointing Device
                         Resets the system's mouse or other pointing device,
                        sets the sample rate, resolution, and other
                        characteristics to their default values.
                        return  BH      device ID (0=first)
                        note 1) After a reset operation, the state of the
                                 pointing device is as follows:
                                 disabled;
                                 sample rate at 100 reports per second;
                                 resolution at 4 counts per millimeter;
                                 scaling at 1 to 1.
                             2) The data package size is unchanged by this fn.
                             3) Apps can use the fn 0C2h subfunctions to
                                initialize the pointing device to other parms,
                                then enable the device with fn 00h.
                             4) BL is altered on return.
                02h     Set Sampling Rate
                        BH      00h     10/second
                                01h     20/second
                                02h     40/second
                                03h     60/second
                                04h     80/second
                                05h     100/second  (default)
                                06h     200/second
                03h     Set Pointing Device Resolution
                        BH      00h     one count per mm
                                01h     two counts per mm
                                02h     four counts per mm  (default)
                                03h     eight counts per mm
                04h     Get Pointing Device Type
                        return  BH      ID code for the mouse or other pointing
                                        device
                05h     Initialize Pointing Device Interface
                         Sets the data package size for the system's mouse or
                        other pointing device, and initializes the resolution,
                        sampling rate, and scaling to their default values.
                        BH      data package size (1 - 8 bytes)
                        note    After this operation, the state of the pointing
                                device is as follows:
                                a) disabled;
                                b) sample rate at 100 reports per second;
                                c) resolution at 4 counts per millimeter;
                                d) scaling set at 1 to 1.
                06h     Get Status or Set Scaling Factor
                         Returns the current status of the system's mouse or
                        other pointing device or sets the device's scaling
                        factor.
                        BH      00h     return device status
                                return  BL      status byte
                                  bits  0       set if right button pressed
                                        1       reserved
                                        2       set if left button pressed
                                        3       reserved
                                        4       0       1:1 scaling
                                                1       2:1 scaling
                                        5       0       device disabled
                                                1       device enabled
                                        6       0       stream mode
                                                1       remote mode
                                        7       reserved
                                        CL      resolution
                                                00h     1 count per millimeter
                                                01h     2 counts per millimeter
                                                02h     4 counts per millimeter
                                                03h     8 counts per millimeter
                                        DL      sample rate (hex count)
                                                0Ah     10  reports per second
                                                14h     20  reports per second
                                                28h     40  reports per second
                                                3Ch     60  reports per second
                                                50h     80  reports per second
                                                64h     100 reports per second
                                                0C8h    200 reports per second
                                01h     set scaling to 1:1
                                02h     set scaling to 2:1
                07h     Set Pointing Device Handler Address
                         Notifies BIOS pointing device driver of the address
                        for a routine to be called each time pointing device
                        data is available.
                        ES:BX   address of user device handler
                        return  AL      00h
return  CF      set on error
        AH      status
                00h     successful
                01h     invalid function
                02h     invalid input
                03h     interface error
                04h     need to resend
                05h     no device handler installed
note 1) The values in BH for those functions that take it as input are stored
        in different locations for each subfunction.
     2) The user's handler for pointing device data is entered via a far call
        with four parameters on the stack:
        SS:SP+0Ah    status
        SS:SP+08h    x coordinate
        SS:SP+06h    y coordinate
        SS:SP+04h    z coordinate (always 0)
         The handler must exit via a far return without removing the parameters
        from the stack.
     3) The status parameter word passed to the user's handler is interpreted
        as follows:
        bits    0       left button pressed
                1       right button pressed
                2-3     reserved
                4       sign of x data is negative
                5       sign of y data is negative
                6       x data has overflowed
                7       y data has overflowed
                8-0Fh   reserved


Function 0C3h   Enable/Disable Watchdog Timeout                 (PS/2 50+)
entry   AH      0C3h
        AL      00h     disable watchdog
                01h     enable watchdog
                        BX      timer counter
return  CF      set on error
note 1) The watchdog timer generates an NMI.
     2) This would be subject to protection with a real OS so temporary masters
        would not be able to seize the bus forever.


Function 0C4h   Programmable Option Select                      (PS/2 50+)
entry   AH      0C4h
        AL      00h     return base POS register address
                01h     enable slot
                        BL      slot number
                02h     enable adapter
return  CF      set on error
        DX      base POS register address (if function 00h)
note 1) Fn 00h returns the base Programmable Option Select register address,
        enables a slot for setup, or enables an adapter.
     2) Valid on machines with Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus only.
     3) After a slot is enabled with fn 01h, specific information can be
        obtained for the adapter in that slot by performing port input
        operations:
        Port    Function
        100h    MCA ID (low byte)
        101h    MCA ID (high byte)
        102h    Option Select Byte 1
            bit 0       0       if disabled
                        1       if enabled
        103h    Option Select Byte 2
        104h    Option Select Byte 3
        105h    Option Select Byte 4
                bits 6-7 are channel check indicators
        106h    Subaddress Extension (low byte)
        107h    Subaddress Extension (high byte)


Function 0C5h   Used by PS/2 Model 50+ and Olivetti MCA machines
                Used by Desqview 2.2
                Used by Lotus 123 Release 2.2
                Used by Microsoft Word 5.0
note    Functions unknown. Reported by InfoWorld Nov 13 1989's Micro Channel
        386 test as a conflict between the above software packages. InfoWorld
        said that Quarterdeck (Desqview) was working on a fix for their
        product. No other information.


Function 0DEh   DesQview Services                             (DesQview)


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 16h  Keyboard I/O                                            3**9  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0058h)       Access the keyboard. Scancodes are found in Appendix 1. ASCII
                codes are found in Appendix 2.

                IBM's original keyboard layout is referred to as the 84-key
                or "old style". It has the function keys on the left and an
                embedded cursor/numeric keypad on the right. The 101-key "new
                style" or "enhanced" keyboard (such as used on the PS/2s) adds
                several keys. The early BIOS will not detect the new scancodes
                and the new BIOS for some reason added new function calls for
                this purpose instead of enhancing the old ones. This causes
                some hassle when writing programs which need to support both
                keyboards fully. Most programs limit themselves to the 84-key
                functions in the interest of backward compatibility.

                The SWITCHES CONFIG.SYS command forces DOS 4.0 to use the
                standard int 16h requests for keyboard I/O rather than the
                extended int 16h requests.

                The DOS KEYB command does not hook into the BIOS. It is a total
                replacement for the BIOS int9 driver. The only good thing about
                this is that you can use 101-key keyboards on old ATs without
                support for enhanced keyboards. KEYB is very peculiar in its
                handling of the keyboard, causing some programs to break. It
                also tends to disable interrupts for a long time while process-
                ing each scan code.

                There are machines such as the Toshiba 5200 which have 84-key
                layouts but "simulate" being 101-key, at least as far as int 16
                goes.  (always good for confusing your software...)


Function  00h   Get Keyboard Input - read the next character in keyboard buffer,
                if no key ready, wait for one.
entry   AH      00h
return  AH      scan code
        AL      ASCII character
note 1) Removes keystroke from buffer (destructive read).
     2) Does not work with the extra keys on the 101-key "enhanced" keyboard.


Function  01h   Check Keystroke Buffer - Do Not Clear
entry   AH      01h
return  ZF      0 (clear) if character in buffer
                1 (set)   if no character in buffer
        AH      scan code of character (if ZF=0)
        AL      ASCII character if applicable
note 1) Keystroke is not removed from buffer. The same character and scan code
        will be returned by the next call to Int 16h/fn 00h.
     2) This call flushes the 101-key codes from the buffer if they precede
        an 84-key code.


Function  02h   Shift Status - fetch bit flags indicating shift status
entry   AH      02h
return  AL      status byte (same as [0040:0017])
           bits 7       Insert on
                6       CapsLock on
                5       NumLock on
                4       ScrollLock on
                3       Alt key down
                2       Control key down
                1       Left shift (left caps-shift key) down
                0       Right shift (right caps-shift key) down
note    The Keyboard Flags Byte is stored in the BIOS Data Area at 0000:0417h.


Function 03h    Keyboard - Set Repeat Rate            (PCjr, AT, XT/286, PS/2)
entry   AH      03h
        AL      00h     reset typematic defaults                     (PCjr)
                01h     increase initial delay                       (PCjr)
                02h     decrease repeat rate by 1/2                  (PCjr)
                03h     increase both delays by 1/2                  (PCjr)
                04h     turn off typematic                           (PCjr)
                05h     set typematic rate                           (AT, PS/2)
        BH      00h-03h for delays of 250ms, 500ms, 750ms, or 1 second
                        0,0     250ms
                        0,1     500ms
                        1,0     750ms
                        1,1     1 second
        BL      00h-1Fh for typematic rates of 30cps down to 2cps
                        00000 30     01011 10.9   10101 4.5
                        00001 26.7   01100 10     10110 4.3
                        00010 24     01101 9.2    10111 4
                        00011 21.8   01110 8.6    11000 3.7
                        00100 20     01111 8      11001 3.3
                        00101 18.5   10000 7.5    11010 3
                        00110 17.1   10001 6.7    11011 2.7
                        00111 16     10010 6      11100 2.5
                        01000 15     10011 5.5    11101 2.3
                        01001 13.3   10011 5.5    11110 2.1
                        01010 12     10100 5      11111 2
return  nothing
note 1) Subfunction 05h is available on ATs with ROM BIOS dated 11/15/85 and
        later, the XT/286, and the PS/2.
     2) Subfunction 0 (Return to Default Keyboard State) restores the keyboard
        to its original state. The original state at power-on is typematic on,
        normal initial delay and normal typematic rate.
     3) Subfunction 1 (Increase Initial Delay) increases the delay between the
        first character typed and the burst of typematic characters.
     4) For Subfunctions 0 through 4, each time the typematic rate is changed,
        all previous states are removed.
     5) Some clone keyboards (Northgate Omnikey and Focus) have much higher
        repeat rates for the same bit values.


Function 04h    Keyboard Click Toggle                 (PCjr and Convertible)
entry   AH      04h
        AL      00h     for click off
                01h     for click on
return  nothing


Function 05h    Load Keyboard Buffer            (AT or PS/2 with enhanced kbd)
entry   AH      05h
        CH      scan code
        CL      ASCII character
return  CF      set on error
        AL      00h     success
                01h     if buffer full
note    Places a character and scan code at the end of the keyboard type-ahead
        buffer.


Function 06h    Keyboard Buffer Write                (Fansi-Console to 2.00)
entry   AH      06h
        BX      extended key value to place in typeahead buffer
return  unknown
note    This call may be dropped since it now duplicates function 05h.


Function 07h    Change Shift Key Status              (Fansi-Console to 2.00)
entry   AH      07h
        AL      shift key status value
return  unknown
note    Status byte is same as function 02h.


Function 10h    Get Enhanced Keystroke And Read      (F11, F12 Enhanced Keyb'd)
                (XT/286, PS/2, AT with "Enhanced" keyboard)
entry   AH      10h
return  AH      scan code
        AL      ASCII character if applicable
note 1) Reads a character and scan code from the keyboard type-ahead buffer.
     2) Use this function for the enhanced keyboard instead of int 16h fn 00h.
        It allows applications to obtain the scan codes for the additional F11,
        F12, and cursor control keys.
     3) This is the enhanced version of function 00h.


Function 11h    Check Enhanced Keystroke         (F11-F12 on enhanced keyboard)
                (XT/286, PS/2, AT with "Enhanced" keyboard)
entry   AH      11h
return  ZF      0       (clear) if key pressed
                        AH      scan code
                        AL      ASCII character if applicable
                1       if buffer is empty
note 1) Keystroke is not removed from buffer. The same char and scan code will
        be returned by the next call to Int 16h/fn 10h.
     2) Use this function for the enhanced keyboard instead of int 16h/fn 00h.
        It allows applications to test for the additional F11, F12, and cursor
        control keys.


Function 12h    Extended Get Shift Status         (F11, F12 Enhanced keyboard)
entry   AH      12h
return  AX      status word
                AL bit  0       right Shift key depressed
                        1       left Shift key depressed
                        2       Control key depressed
                        3       Alt key depressed
                        4       ScrollLock state active
                        5       NumLock state active
                        6       CapsLock state active
                        7       insert state is active
                AH bit  0       left Control key pressed
                        1       left Alt key depressed
                        2       right Control key pressed
                        3       right Alt key depressed
                        4       Scroll Lock key depressed
                        5       NumLock key depressed
                        6       CapsLock key depressed
                        7       SysReq key depressed
note    Use this function for the enhanced keyboard instead of int 16h/fn 02h.


Function  70h, 71h, 72h  Internal Functions       (SEAware's FAKEY.COM)
note    FAKEY.COM is a TSR keyboard utility distributed to registered users
        of SEAware products.


Function  75h   Set Tick Count for Scanning       (pcAnywhere 2.00)
entry   AH      75h
        AL      tick count
return  none
note 1) Sets count of 55ms timer ticks between checks for new screen changes.
     2) pcAnywhere is a program that allows operation of a remote machine
        over a serial link.


Function  76h   Set Error Checking Mode           (pcAnywhere 2.00)
entry   AH      76h
        AL      error checking type
                00h     none
                01h     fast
                02h     slow
return  none


Function  77h   reserved                          (pcAnywhere 2.00)
pcAnywhere API - reserved


Function  78h   Log Off                           (pcAnywhere 2.00)
entry   AL      00h     wait for another call
                01h     exit but remain TSR
                02h     automatic mode - watches DTR
                0FFh    leave in current operating mode (pcAnywhere 2.1)
return  none


Function  79h   Installation Check                (pcAnywhere 2.00)
entry   AH      79h
        AL      00h     installation check
return  AX      0FFFFh  resident and active
                0FFFEh  resident but not active
                0FFFDh  resident TSR
                0FFFCh  automatic mode
                any other value - not resident


Function  7Ah   Cancel pcAnywhere Session         (pcAnywhere 2.00)
entry   AH      7Ah
return  none
note    Leaves pcAnywhere resident but unable to answer another call.


Function  7Bh   Enable/Disable Operation          (pcAnywhere 2.00)
entry   AH      7Bh
        AL      state
                00h     disabled
                01h     enabled
return  none
note    Remote screen is automatically refreshed when session is enabled.


Function  7Ch   Get Port Configuration            (pcAnywhere 2.00)
entry   AH      7Ch
return  AH      port number in binary (0-15)
        AL      baud rate
                00h     50
                01h     75
                02h     110
                03h     134.5
                04h     150
                05h     300
                06h     600
                07h     1200
                08h     1800
                09h     2000
                0Ah     2400
                0Bh     4800
                0Ch     7200
                0Dh     9600
                0Fh     19,200


Function  7Dh   Get/Set Terminal Parameters       (pcAnywhere 2.00)
entry   AH      7Dh
        AL      00h     set parameters
                01h     get parameters
                02h     get configuration header and terminal parameters
        CX:DS   address of Terminal Parameter Block
return  AL      00h     nothing
                01h     current Terminal Parameter Block in CX:DS
                02h     configuration header and Terminal Parameter Block
                        in CX:DS
note    Terminal Parameter Block format:   (1152 bytes) (decimal)
        384 bytes  CRT Control Information
                bytes   function
                1-8     cursor up
               9-16     cursor down
              17-24     cursor left
              25-32     cursor right
              33-40     cursor home
              41-48     clear screen
              49-56     clear to end of line
              57-64     clear to end of page
              65-72     insert line
              73-80     delete line
              81-88     insert character
              89-96     delete character
             97-104     cursor position lead in
            105-112     between row and column
            113-120     after cursor position
            121-128     CRT initialization
        256 bytes  Character Translation Table
                translates ASCII characters from host. Normally changes IBM
                graphics characters to other displayable symbols
        512 bytes  keyboard sequences
            641-644     cursor up
            645-648     cursor down
            649-652     cursor left
            653-656     cursor right
            657-660     home
            661-664     end
            665-668     PgUp
            669-672     PgDn
            673-676     insert
            677-680     delete
            681-684     control-home
            685-688     control-end
            689-692     control-PgUp
            693-696     control-PgDn
            697-700     escape
            701-740     F1...F10
            741-780     sF1...sF10
            781-820     ^F1...^F10
            821-860     aF1...aF10
            861-964     alt A-Z
           965-1004     alt 0-9
          1005-1008     alt =
          1009-1012     alt -
          1013-1016     print screen
          1017-1020     ctrl-left arrow
          1021-1024     ctrl-right arrow
          1025-1120     reserved
          1121-1124     begin conv. mode
          1125-1128     remote printing off
          1129-1132     remote printing on
          1133-1136     backspace
          1137-1140     refresh screen
          1141-1144     send next code
          1145-1148     display top 24 lines
          1149-1152     display bottom 24 lines


Function  7Eh   Serial I/O Through pcAnywhere Port   (pcAnywhere 2.00)
entry   AH      7Eh
        AL      I/O function
                01h     get port input status
                02h     get port input character
                03h     output character
                04h     hang up phone
        CX      ASCII character to output (fn 03h)
return  (if AL=01h)
        AX      00h     no character ready
                01h     character is available
        (if AL=02h)
        AL      ASCII code received


Function  7Fh   Set Keyboard/Screen Mode            (pcAnywhere 2.00)
entry   AH      7Fh
        AL      parameters
                00h     enable remote keyboard only  |
                01h     enable host keyboard only    |  keyboard group
                02h     enable both keyboards        |

                08h     display top 24 lines         |  screen group
                09h     display bottom 24 lines      |

                10h     Hayes modem                  |
                11h     other modems                 |  modem group
                12h     direct connect               |


Function 0EDh   Borland Turbo Lightning API  (partial)
entry   AH      0EDh
        BH      0EDh
        BL      function
                00h     installation check
                02h     pointer to Lightning internal data structure lobyte
                03h     pointer to Lightning internal data structure hibyte
                04h     load auxiliary dictionary
                06h     autoproof mode
                0Fh     get number of substitutions (segment)
        DS:DI   pointer to string to be processed
return  AX      error code (unknown)
note    I've made several attempts to get a copy of the Turbo Lightning API,
        which was originally supposed to be available for developers in 1985.
        In 1988 Borland sent me a letter saying they were still working on it.
        In late 1989 the Borland rep on BIX told me basically that there were
        no plans for releasing the API any more. The information here was
        dredged from Chris Dunford's LSPELL.PAS interface into Lighting.


Function 0F0h   Set CPU speed                                     (Compaq 386)
entry   AH      0F0h    set speed
        AL      speed
                00h     equivalent to 6 mHz 80286 (COMMON)
                01h     equivalent to 8 mHz 80286 (FAST)
                02h     full 16 mHz (HIGH)
                03h     toggles between 8 mHz-equivalent and speed set by
                        system board switch (AUTO or HIGH)
                04h-07h unknown
                08h     full 16 mHz except 8 mHz-equivalent during floppy disk
                        access
                09h     specify speed directly
                        CX      speed value, 1 (slowest) to 50 (full), 3 ~=8088
return  none?
note 1) Used by Compaq DOS MODE command.


Function 0F1h   Read Current CPU Speed                            (Compaq 386)
entry   AH      0F1h
return  AL      speed code (see function 0F0h above)
                if AL=09h, CX=speed code


Function 0F2h   Determine Attached Keyboard Type                  (Compaq 386)
entry   AH      0F2h
return  AL      type
                00h     if 11-bit AT keyboard is in use
                01h     if 9-bit PC keyboard is in use


Function 0FFh   PC-Tools API
entry   AH      0FFh
other parameters unknown
note    PC-Tools is a Swiss-army-knife software package with an editor, DOS
        shell, cache, disk optimizer, and several other functions from Central
        Point Software.


Function 0FFh   2-The-Max VGA-16 Board
entry   AH      0FFh    query zoom interrupt
return  AL      zoom interrupt number
        AL+1    old BIOS keyboard handler interrupt number
        BX      hot key



Function 0FFh   Programmer Interface to Carbon Copy Plus (5.0)
entry   AH      0FFh
        AL      00h     check connection between CC and CCHELP
return  BL      00h     Carbon Copy not connected to CCHELP
                01h     Carbon Copy is connected to CCHELP

entry   AL      01h     disconnects and resets the line if the Host or CC
                        side is connected to CCHELP

entry   AL      02h     return a pointer to the last phone number dialed by CC
return  ES:DI           dword pointer to ASCIIZ phone number string



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 17h  Printer                                                 3**10 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:005Ch)       access the parallel printer(s)
                AH is changed. All other registers left alone.

                Printer ports vary widely in compatibility, since the original
                IBM MDA's parallel port did not match its own spec.  Many
                parallel ports do not use IRQ7 at all.

                The parallel port on a monochrome adapter is at 3BCh.  The port
                on a parallel printer adapter is at 378h or 278h.  At boot time,
                the BIOS looks at them in the order 3BCh, 378h, 278h, and
                assigns the first port it finds to LPT1, the second to LPT2,
                etc.  If you have a monochrome adapter, LPT1 is probably 3BCh;
                otherwise, it is probably 378h.


Function  00h   Print Character/send AL to printer DX (0, 1, or 2)
entry   AH      00h
        AL      ASCII character code
        DX      printer to be used
                00h     PRN or LPT1
                01h     LPT2
                02h     LPT3
return  AH      status byte
           bits 0       time out
                1       unused
                2       unused
                3       I/O error
                4       printer selected
                5       out of paper
                6       acknowledge
                7       not busy


Function 01h    Initialize Printer - set init line low, send 0Ch to printer DX
entry   AH      01h
        DX      printer port to be initialized (0,1,2)
return  status as below


Function  02h   Printer Status - read status of printer DX into AH
entry   AH      02h
        DX      printer port to be used (0,1,2)
return  AH      status byte
           bits 7       0       busy/paused: the printer cannot immediately
                                take more data because it is in the middle of
                                accepting a character, printing a line, is
                                offline, or it is in error status.
                        1       ready
                6   ACKnowledge line toggled: reflects the state of the ACK
                    line on the printer port at the moment the status was read.
                    ACK is a strobe: it goes low for a very short time (12
                    microseconds on an Epson) when the printer is ready for
                    another character. As far as printer status is concerned,
                    this is useless; it's only useful for something like an
                    interrupt-driven interface. Most of the time, you'll see
                    ACK high (bit 6 on), but occasionally, if you check status
                    just after sending a character, you might see it low.
                    ACK is low when the printer is powered off.
                5   out-of-paper line toggled
                4   printer selected: printer is selected/ready/online. There
                    is usually a button on the printer to control this.
                3   I/O error: offline, out of paper or other error condition
                    such as out of ribbon.
                2   unused
                1   unused
                0   timeout error: printer failed to send ACK and drop busy
                    after being sent a character.
note 1) You can expect to see these states in a properly functioning printer:
        Normal                Offline                Power off
        ======                =======                =========
        not busy/paused       busy/paused            busy/paused
        not out of paper      not out of paper       not out of paper
        selected/online       not selected/online    not selected/online
        not I/O error         I/O error (usually)    I/O error
        not timeout error     not timeout error      not timeout error
     2) Not all printers return the status codes properly. That's OK, not all
        clone BIOS do it right either. If your program depends on the return
        codes, you might want to make the code easily patched or configured
        for nonstandard hardware.


Function   03h  Versa-Spool print spooler
entry   AH      03h     Versa-Spool
        AL      00h     Return Signature
                01h     Toggle Pause
                02h     Clear Buffer
                03h     Request Pause Condition
                04h     Request Free Buffer Space
                05h     Request Total Buffer Size
                06h     Redirect Output to LPT1
                07h     Redirect Output to LPT2
                08h     Redirect Output to LPT3
                09h     Request Output Device
                0Ah     Request Output Speed
                0Bh     Request Device Spooled Status

return  (AH=00h)        AX      1234h   if Versa-Spool is installed
                                        undefined if not installed
        (AH=01h)        AX      0001h   if paused
                                0000h   if resumed
        (AH=02h)        AX      0302h   not cleared
                                0000h   cleared
        (AH=03h)        AX      0001h   if paused
                                0000h   if resumed
        (AH=04h)        AX      remaining buffer space (in Kbytes)
        (AH=05h)        AX      total buffer space (in Kbytes)
        (AH=06h)        AX      nothing
        (AH=07h)        AX      nothing
        (AH=08h)        AX      nothing
        (AH=09h)        AX      printer output (0..2)
        (AH=0Ah)        AX      output speed in CPS
        (AH=0Bh)        AX      0001h   is spooled
                                0000h   otherwise

Function  0C0h  PC Magazine PCSPOOL - get printer status
entry   AH      0C0h
        DX      printer port to be used (0,1,2)
return  ES:BX   address of printer control block
note    PC Magazine, January 15, 1991. (Vol 10, Number 1)


Function  0C1h  PC Magazine PCSPOOL - add pause to spool queue
entry   AH      0C1h
        DX      printer port to be used (0,1,2)
        DS:SI   pointer to ASCIIZ string to display
return  AH      printer status


Function  0C2h  PC Magazine PCSPOOL - flush queue record
entry   AH      0C2h
        DX      printer port to be used (0,1,2)
return  AH      printer status


Function  0C3h  PC Magazine PCSPOOL - cancel printer queue
entry   AH      0C3h
        DX      printer port to be used (0,1,2)
return  AH      printer status


Function  0C4h  PC Magazine PCSPOOL - determine of spooler is active
entry   AH      0C4h
return  DI      0B0BFh  if PCSPOOL is loaded
        SI      segment of the PSP of the active PCSPOOL


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 18h  ROM BASIC                                               3**11 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0060h)       Execute ROM BASIC at address 0F600h:0000h
entry   no parameters used
return  jumps into ROM BASIC on IBM systems
note 1) Often reboots a compatible.
     2) Used by Turbo C 1.5. 2.0 and later do not use it.
     3) On IBM systems, this interrupt is called if disk boot failure occurs.
     4) Video interrupt on DEC Rainbow.
     5) Digital Research's ROM-based implementation of DR-DOS uses int 18h as
        the initial entry vector into the operating system code. Note that
        some clone BIOSes may not properly implement int 18h in the ROM and
        use of DR-DOS ROMs may not always work.
     6) Maxon 286/HD laptop: called by BIOS power management routines to
        communicate with applications.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 19h  Bootstrap Loader / Extended Memory VDISK ID             3**12 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0064h)
entry   no parameters used
return  none
note 1) Reads track 0, sector 1 into address 0000h:7C00h, then transfers
        control to that address. If no diskette drive available, looks at
        absolute address C:800 for a valid hard disk or other ROM. If none,
        transfers to ROM-BASIC via int 18h or displays loader error message.
     2) Causes reboot of disk system if invoked while running. (no memory test
        performed).
     3) If location 0000:0472h does not contain the value 1234h, a memory test
        (POST) will be performed before reading the boot sector.
     4) VDISK from DOS 3.0+ traps this vector to determine when the CPU has
        shifted from protected mode to real mode. A detailed discussion can
        be found by Ray Duncan in PC Magazine, May 30, 1989.
     5) Reportedly, some versions of DOS 2.x and all versions of DOS 3.x+
        intercept int 19h in order to restore some interrupt vectors DOS takes
        over, in order to put the machine back to a cleaner state for the
        reboot, since the POST will not be run on the int 19h. These vectors
        are reported to be: 02h, 08h, 09h, 0Ah, 0Bh, 0Ch, 0Dh, 0Eh, 70h, 72h,
        73h, 74h, 75h, 76h, and 77h. After restoring these, it restores the
        original int 19h vector and calls int 19h.
     6) The system checks for installed ROMs by searching memory from 0C000h to
        the beginning of the BIOS, in 2k chunks. ROM memory is identified if it
        starts with the word 0AA55h. It is followed a one byte field length of
        the ROM (divided by 512). If ROM is found, the BIOS will call the ROM
        at an offset of 3 from the beginning. This feature was not supported in
        the earliest PC machines. The last task turns control over to the
        bootstrap loader (assuming the floppy controller is operational).
     7) 8255 port 60h bit 0 = 1 if booting from diskette.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 1Ah  Time of Day                                             3**13 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

(0:0068h)    1) Accesses the PC internal clock.
             2) This interrupt is not supported on some machines, such as
                the HP150 PC.
             3) Some "turbo" BIOSes run the clock slower than normal in order
                to throw off benchmark software, which usually uses int 1Ah
                for timekeeping.
             4) Counts occur at the rate of 1193180/65536 counts/sec (about
                18.2 per second).

Function 00h    Read System Timer Tick Counter                 (except PC)
entry   AH      00h
return  AL      00h     if clock was read or written (via AH=0,1) within the
                        current 24-hour period.
                <>0     midnight was passed since last read
        CX:DX   32-bit tick count (high 16 bits in CX)
note 1) The returned value is the cumulative number of clock ticks since
        midnight. There are 18.2 clock ticks per second, or one every 54.92ms.
        When the counter reaches 1,573,040, it is cleared to zero, and the
        rollover flag is set.
     2) The rollover flag is cleared by this function call, so the flag will
        only be returned nonzero once per day.
     3) Int 1Ah/fn 01h can be used to set the counter to an arbitrary 32 bit
        value.
     4) This function does not return seconds/100 in DL. The best you can do
        is set it to zero (or any value <=99). This means that your DOS clock
        could be up to 1 second off from the BIOS clock, however the effect is
        not cumulative.


Function 01h    Set Clock Tick Counter Value                    (except PC)
entry   AH      01h
        CX:DX   32-bit high word/low word count of timer ticks
return  none
note 1) The clock ticks are incremented by timer interrupt at 18.2065 times
        per second or 54.9254 milliseconds/count. Therefore:
                counts per second   18      (12h)
                counts per minute   1092    (444h)
                counts per hour     65543   (10011h)
                counts per day      1573040 (1800B0h)
     2) The counter is zeroed when system is rebooted.
     3) Stores a 32-bit value in the clock tick counter.
     4) The rollover flag is cleared by this call.


Function 02h    Read Real Time Clock Time                       (AT and after)
entry   AH      02h
return  CH      hours in BCD
        CL      minutes in BCD
        DH      seconds in BCD
        DL      00h     standard time
                01h     daylight savings time
        CF      0       if clock running
                1       if clock not operating
note 1) Reads the current time from the CMOS time/date chip.
     2) Also for Leading Edge Model M.
     3) According to Phoenix this call will fail if the BIOS is "updating" its
        clock value. You should check the carry flag and retry if it is set
        following the call.


Function 03h    Set Real Time Clock Time                        (AT and after)
entry   AH      03h
        CH      hours in BCD
        CL      minutes in BCD
        DH      seconds in BCD
        DL      0 (clear) if standard time
                1 (set)   if daylight savings time option
return  none
note 1) Sets the time in the CMOS time/date chip.
     2) Also for Leading Edge Model M.


Function 04h    Read Real Time Clock Date                       (AT and after)
entry   AH      04h
return  CH      century in BCD (19 or 20)
        CL      year in BCD
        DH      month in BCD
        DL      day in BCD
        CF      0 (clear) if clock is running
                1 (set)   if clock is not operating
note 1) Reads the current date from the CMOS time/date chip.
     2) Also for Leading Edge Model M.


Function 05h    Set Real Time Clock Date                        (AT and after)
entry   AH      05h
        CH      century in BCD (19 or 20)
        CL      year in BCD
        DH      month in BCD
        DL      day in BCD
return  none
note 1) Sets the date in the CMOS time/date chip.
     2) Also for Leading Edge Model M.


Function 06h    Set Real Time Clock Alarm                       (AT and after)
entry   AH      06h
        CH      hours in BCD
        CL      minutes in BCD
        DH      seconds in BCD
return  CF      set if alarm already set or clock inoperable
note 1) Sets alarm in the CMOS date/time chip. Int 4Ah occurs at specified
        alarm time every 24hrs until reset with Int 1Ah/fn 07h.
     2) A side effect of this function is that the clock chip's interrupt
        level (IRQ8) is enabled.
     3) Only one alarm may be active at any given time.
     4) The program using this function must place the address of its interrupt
        handler for the alarm in the vector for Int 4Ah.


Function 07h    Reset Real Time Clock Alarm                     (AT and after)
entry   AH      07h
return  none
note 1) Cancels any pending alarm request on the CMOS date/time chip.
     2) This function does not disable the clock chip's interrupt level (IRQ8).


Function 08h    Set Real Time Clock Activated Power On Mode     (Convertible)
entry   AH      08h
        CH      hours in BCD
        CL      minutes in BCD
        DH      seconds in BCD


Function 09h    Read Real Time Clock Alarm Time and Status
                                                (Convertible and PS/2 Model 30)
entry   AH      09h
return  CH      hours in BCD
        CL      minutes in BCD
        DH      seconds in BCD
        DL      alarm status:
                00h     if alarm not enabled
                01h     if alarm enabled but will not power up system
                02h     if alarm will power up system


Function 0Ah    Read System-Timer Day Counter                          (PS/2)
entry   AH      0Ah
return  CF      set on error
        CX      count of days since Jan 1,1980
note    Returns the contents of the system's day counter.


Function 0Bh    Set System-Timer Day Counter                           (PS/2)
entry   AH      0Bh
        CX      count of days since Jan 1,1980
return  CF      set on error
note    Stores an arbitrary value in the system's day counter.


Function 80h    Set Up Sound Multiplexor                (PCjr) (Tandy 1000?)
entry   AH      80h
        AL      sound source
                00h     source is 8253 timer chip, channel 2
                01h     source is cassette input
                02h     source is I/O channel "audio in" line
                03h     source is TI sound generator chip
return  none
note    Sets up the source for tones that will appear on the PCjr's Audio Out
        bus line or RF modulator.


Function 1Ah    Read Time and Date                                 (AT&T 6300)
entry   AH      0FEh
return  BX      days count (1=Jan 1, 1984)
        CH      hours
        CL      minutes
        DH      seconds
        DL      hundredths
note    Day count in BX is unique to AT&T/Olivetti computers.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 1Bh  Control-Break                                           3**14 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:006Ch)       This interrupt is called when the keyboard handler of the IBM
                machines detects Ctrl and Break pressed at the same time. DOS
                normally point this interrupt at its own Ctrl-Break handler.

note 1) If the break occurred while processing an interrupt, one or more
        end of interrupt commands must be send to the 8259 Programmable
        Interrupt Controller.
     2) All I/O devices should be reset in case an operation was underway at
        the time.
     3) It is normally pointed to an IRET during system initialization so that
        it does nothing, but some programs change it to return a Ctrl-C scan
        code and thus invoke int 23h.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 1Ch  Timer Tick                                              3**15 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0070h)
note 1) Taken 18.2065 times per second by the int 08h interrupt.
     2) Normally vectors to dummy IRET unless PRINT.COM has been installed.
     3) If an application moves the interrupt pointer, it is the responsibility
        of that application to save and restore all registers that may be
        modified.
     4) returns values at absolute address 40:6x (BIOS Data Area); number of
        ticks since midnight
        40:6C   word    timer counter high word
        40:6E   word    timer counter low word
     5) Ventura Publisher 2.0 grabs this interrupt and does not pass subsequent
        vector reassignments along. This causes problems with some TSRs and
        network software.
     6) When installing a user interrupt for int 1Ch, the external interrupts
        must be disabled before the vector is altered. If a timer interrupt
        occurs between the setting of the offset and segment, an incorrect
        address will result.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 1Dh  Vector of Video Initialization Parameters               3**16 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0074h)       This doubleword address points to 3 sets of 16-bytes containing
                data to initialize for video modes for video modes 0 & 1 (40
                column), 2 & 3 (80 column), and 4, 5 & 6 (graphics) on the
                Motorola 6845 CRT controller chip.
 6845 registers:
        R0      horizontal total                (horizontal sync in characters)
        R1      horizontal displayed                      (characters per line)
        R2      horizontal sync position           (move display left or right)
        R3      sync width         (vertical and horizontal pulse: 4-bits each)
        R4      vertical total                          (total character lines)
        R5      vertical adjust                (adjust for 50 or 60 Hz refresh)
        R6      vertical displayed                   (lines of chars displayed)
        R7      vertical sync position               (lines shifted up or down)
        R8      interlace (bits 4 and 5) and skew (bits 6 and 7)
        R9      max scan line addr               (scan lines per character row)
        R10     cursor start                     (starting scan line of cursor)
        R11     cursor stop                        (ending scan line of cursor)
        R12     video memory start address high byte                   (6 bits)
        R13     video memory start address low byte                    (8 bits)
        R14     cursor address high byte                               (6 bits)
        R15     cursor address low byte                                (8 bits)

 6845 Video Init Tables:
        table for modes 0 and 1   \
        table for modes 2 and 3    \ each table is 16 bytes long and
        table for modes 4,5, and 6 / contains values for 6845 registers
        table for mode 7          /
      4 words   size of video RAM for modes 0/1, 2/3, 4/5, and 6/7
      8 bytes   number of columns in each mode
      8 bytes   video controller mode byte for each mode
note 1) There are 4 separate tables, and all 4 must be initialized if all
        video modes will be used.
     2) The power-on initialization code of the computer points this vector
        to the ROM BIOS video routines.
     3) IBM recommends that if this table needs to be modified, it should be
        copied into RAM and only the necessary changes made.




┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 1Eh  Vector of Diskette Controller Parameters                3**17 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0078h)       Dword address points to data base table that is used by BIOS.
                Default location is at 0F000:0EFC7h. 11-byte table format:
          bytes:
                00h     4-bit step rate, 4-bit head unload time
                01h     7-bit head load time, 1-bit DMA flag
                02h     54.9254 ms ticks - delay til motor off (36-38 typical)
                03h     sector size:
                        00h     128 bytes
                        01h     256 bytes
                        02h     512 bytes
                        03h     1024 bytes
                04h     last sector on track                  (8 or 9 typical)
                05h     inter-sector gap on read/write            (42 typical)
                06h     data length for DMA transfers           (0FFh typical)
                07h     gap length between sectors for format     (80 typical)
                08h     sector fill byte for format             (0F6h typical)
                09h     head settle time (in milliseconds)  (15 to 25 typical)
                        DOS 1.0   0
                        DOS 1.10  0
                        DOS 2.10  15
                        DOS 3.1   1
                0Ah     motor start time (in 1/8 sec intervals)  (2-4 typical)
                        DOS 2.10  2
note 1) This vector is pointed to the ROM BIOS diskette tables on system
        initialization
     2) IBM recommends that if this table needs to be modified, it should be
        copied into RAM and only the necessary changes made.
     3) Some versions of DOS 3.2 may contain a bug. DOS 3.2 assumes that the
        dword at 0070:0F37 contains the address of the diskette parameter
        block and changes values in that block. The location does contain a
        copy of the value at 0:78 (int 1Eh, DISK_POINTER) if DOS is booted from
        diskette, but when booted from the hard disk, the location contains
        0:0. This leads to strange things, especially when running under a
        debugger since DOS overwrites parts of the interrupt vectors for
        interrupts 1 to 3. The solution to the problem is to either upgrade
        to DOS 3.3 or to copy the disk parameter vector to 70:0F37 before
        running or at the start of your program.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 1Fh  Ptr to Graphics Character Extensions (Graphics Set 2)   3**18 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:007Ch)       This is the pointer to data used by the ROM video routines to
                display characters above ASCII 127 while in CGA medium and high
                res graphics modes.

note 1) Doubleword address points to 1K table composed of 28 8-byte character
        definition bit-patterns. First byte of each entry is top row, last byte
        is bottom row.
     2) The first 128 character patterns are located in system ROM.
     3) This vector is set to 000:0 at system initialization.
     4) Used by DOS' external GRAFTABL command.


       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams
                        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                        │ Shareware Version, 03/16/92 │
                        │  Please Register Your Copy  │
                        └─────────────────────────────┘


                           C H A P T E R    F O U R

                       DOS INTERRUPTS AND FUNCTION CALLS

       note: The registered version of this chapter is twice this size.



DOS REGISTERS├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 DOS uses the following registers, pointers, and flags when it executes
interrupts and function calls:
┌───────────────────┬──────────┬───────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│GENERAL REGISTERS  │ register │                  definition                   │
│                   ├──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                   │    AX    │  accumulator (16 bit)                         │
│                   │    AH    │  accumulator high-order byte (8 bit)          │
│                   │    AL    │  accumulator low order byte (8 bit)           │
│                   │    BX    │  base (16 bit)                                │
│                   │    BH    │  base high-order byte (8 bit)                 │
│                   │    BL    │  base low-order byte (8 bit)                  │
│                   │    CX    │  count (16 bit)                               │
│                   │    CH    │  count high order byte (8 bit)                │
│                   │    CL    │  count low order byte (8 bit)                 │
│                   │    DX    │  data (16 bit)                                │
│                   │    DH    │  date high order byte (8 bit)                 │
│                   │    DL    │  data low order byte (8 bit)                  │
├───────────────────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│SEGMENT REGISTERS  │ register │                  definition                   │
│                   ├──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                   │    CS    │  code  segment (16 bit)                       │
│                   │    DS    │  data  segment (16 bit)                       │
│                   │    SS    │  stack segment (16 bit)                       │
│                   │    ES    │  extra segment (16 bit)                       │
├───────────────────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│INDEX REGISTERS    │ register │                  definition                   │
│                   ├──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                   │    DI    │  destination index (16 bit)                   │
│                   │    SI    │  stack       index (16 bit)                   │
├───────────────────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│SEGMENT REGISTERS  │ register │                  definition                   │
│                   ├──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                   │    CS    │  code  segment (16 bit)                       │
│                   │    DS    │  data  segment (16 bit)                       │
│                   │    SS    │  stack segment (16 bit)                       │
│                   │    ES    │  extra segment (16 bit)                       │
├───────────────────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│INDEX REGISTERS    │ register │                  definition                   │
│                   ├──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                   │    DI    │  destination index (16 bit)                   │
│                   │    SI    │  stack       index (16 bit)                   │
├───────────────────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│POINTERS           │ register │                  definition                   │
│                   ├──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                   │    SP    │  stack pointer (16 bit)                       │
│                   │    BP    │  base pointer (16 bit)                        │
│                   │    IP    │  instruction pointer (16 bit)                 │
├───────────────────┴──────────┴───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│FLAGS                   AF, CF, DF, IF, OF, PF, SF, TF, ZF                    │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

 These registers, pointers, and flags are "lowest common denominator" 8088-8086
CPU oriented. DOS makes no attempt to use any of the special or enhanced
instructions availible on the later CPUs which will execute 8088 code, such as
the 80186, 80286, 80386, or NEV V20, V30, V40, or V50.

 When DOS takes control after a function call, it switches to an internal
stack. Registers which are not used to return information (other than AX) are
preserved. The calling program's stack must be large enough to accomodate the
interrupt system - at least 128 bytes in addition to other interrupts.
 DOS actually maintains three stacks -
stack 1: 384 bytes (in DOS 3.1)
         for functions 00h and for 0Dh and up, and for ints 25h and 26h.

stack 2: 384 bytes (in DOS 3.1)
         for function calls 01h through 0Ch.

stack 3: 48 bytes (in DOS 3.1)
         for functions 0Dh and above. This stack is the initial stack used by
         the int 21h handler before it decides which of the other two to use.
         It is also used by function 59h (get extended error), and 01h to 0Ch if
         they are called during an int 24h (critical error) handler. Functions
         33h (get/set break flag), 50h (set process ID), 51h (get process ID)
         and 62h (get PSP address) do not use any DOS stack under DOS 3.x
         (under 2.x, 50h and 51h use stack number 2).

 IBM and Microsoft made a change back in DOS 3.0 or 3.1 to reduce the size of
DOS. They reduced the space allocated for scratch areas when interrupts are
being processed. The default seems to vary with the DOS version and the
machine, but 8 stack frames seems to ring a bell. That means that if you get
more than 8 interrupts at the same time, clock, disk, printer spooler,
keyboard, com port, etc., the system will crash. It seems to happen usually on
a network. STACKS=16,256 means allow 16 interrupts to interrupt each other and
allow 256 bytes for each for scratch area. Eight is marginal.

 DOS 3.2 does some different stack switching than previous versions. The
interrupts which are switched are 02h, 08h, 09h, 0Ah, 0Bh, 0Ch, 0Dh, 0Eh, 70h,
72h, 73h, 74h, 75h, 76h, and 77h. DOS 3.2 has a special check in the
initialization code for a PCjr and don't enable stack switching on that machine.



INTERRUPTS├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 Microsoft recommends that a program wishing to examine or set the contents of
any interrupt vector use the DOS function calls 35h and 25h provided for those
purposes and avoid referencing the interrupt vector locations directly.
 DOS reserves interrupt numbers 20h to 3Fh for its own use. This means absolute
memory locations 80h to 0FFh are reserved by DOS. The defined interrupts are as
follows with all values in hexadecimal.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 21h  Function Call Request                                         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0084h)
 DOS provides a wide variety of function calls for character device I/O, file
management, memory management, date and time functions,execution of other
programs, and more. They are grouped as follows:

          call              description
        00h             program terminate
        01h-0Ch         character device I/O, CP/M compatibility format
        0Dh-24h         file management,      CP/M compatibility format
        25h-26h         nondevice functions,  CP/M compatibility format
        27h-29h         file management,      CP/M compatibility format
        2Ah-2Eh         nondevice functions,  CP/M compatibility format
        2Fh-38h         extended functions
        39h-3Bh         directory group
        3Ch-46h         extended file management
        47h             directory group
        48h-4Bh         extended memory management
        54h-57h         extended functions
        5Eh-5Fh         networking
        60h-62h         extended functions
        63h-66h         enhanced foreign language support


List of DOS services:   * = undocumented
        00h     terminate program
        01h     get keyboard input
        02h     display character to STDIO
        03h     get character from STDAUX
        04h     output character to STDAUX
        05h     output character to STDPRN
        06h     direct console I/O - keyboard to screen
        07h     get char from std I/O without echo
        08h     get char from std I/O without echo, checks for ^C
        09h     display a string to STDOUT
        0Ah     buffered keyboard input
        0Bh     check STDIN status
        0Ch     clear keyboard buffer and invoke keyboard function
        0Dh     flush all disk buffers
        0Eh     select disk
        0Fh     open file with File Control Block
        10h     close file opened with File Control Block
        11h     search for first matching file entry
        12h     search for next matching file entry
        13h     delete file specified by File Control Block
        14h     sequential read from file specified by File Control Block
        15h     sequential write to file specified by File Control Block
        16h     find or create firectory entry for file
        17h     rename file specified by file control block
        18h*    unknown
        19h     return current disk drive
        1Ah     set disk transfer area (DTA)
        1Bh     get current disk drive FAT
        1Ch     get disk FAT for any drive
        1Dh*    unknown
        1Eh*    unknown
        1Fh*    read DOS disk block, default drive
        20h*    unknown
        21h     random read from file specified by FCB
        22h     random write to file specified by FCB
        23h     return number of records in file specified by FCB
        24h     set relative file record size field for file specified by FCB
        25h     set interrupt vector
        26h     create new Program Segment Prefix (PSP)
        27h     random file block read from file specified by FCB
        28h     random file block write to file specified by FCB
        29h     parse the command line for file name
        2Ah     get the system date
        2Bh     set the system date
        2Ch     get the system time
        2Dh     set the system time
        2Eh     set/clear disk write VERIFY
        2Fh     get the Disk Transfer Address (DTA)
        30h     get DOS version number
        31h     TSR, files opened remain open
        32h*    read DOS Disk Block
        33h     get or set Ctrl-Break
        34h*    INDOS  Critical Section Flag
        35h     get segment and offset address for an interrupt
        36h     get free disk space
        37h*    get/set option marking character (SWITCHAR)
        38h     return country-dependent information
        39h     create subdirectory
        3Ah     remove subdirectory
        3Bh     change current directory
        3Ch     create and return file handle
        3Dh     open file and return file handle
        3Eh     close file referenced by file handle
        3Fh     read from file referenced by file handle
        40h     write to file referenced by file handle
        41h     delete file
        42h     move file pointer (move read-write pointer for file)
        43h     set/return file attributes
        44h     device IOCTL (I/O control) info
        45h     duplicate file handle
        46h     force a duplicate file handle
        47h     get current directory
        48h     allocate memory
        49h     release allocated memory
        4Ah     modify allocated memory
        4Bh     load or execute a program
        4Ch     terminate prog and return to DOS
        4Dh     get return code of subprocess created by 4Bh
        4Eh     find first matching file
        4Fh     find next matching file
        50h*    set new current Program Segment Prefix (PSP)
        51h*    puts current PSP into BX
        52h*    pointer to the DOS list of lists
        53h*    translates BPB (Bios Parameter Block, see below)
        54h     get disk verification status (VERIFY)
        55h*    create PSP: similar to function 26h
        56h     rename a file
        57h     get/set file date and time
        58h     get/set allocation strategy             (DOS 3.x)
        59h     get extended error information
        5Ah     create a unique filename
        5Bh     create a DOS file
        5Ch     lock/unlock file contents
        5Dh*    network
        5Eh*    network printer
        5Fh*    network redirection
        60h*    parse pathname
        61h*    unknown
        62h     get program segment prefix (PSP)
        63h*    get lead byte table                     (DOS 2.25)
        64h*    unknown
        65h     get extended country information        (DOS 3.3)
        66h     get/set global code page table          (DOS 3.3)
        67h     set handle count                        (DOS 3.3)
        68h     commit file                             (DOS 3.3)
        69h     disk serial number                      (DOS 4.0)
        6Ah     unknown
        6Bh     unknown
        6Ch     extended open/create                    (DOS 4.0)


CALLING THE DOS SERVICES├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 The DOS services are invoked by placing the number of the desired function in
register AH, subfunction in AL, setting the other registers to any specific
requirements of the function, and invoking int 21h.

 On return, the requested service will be performed if possible. Most codes
will return an error; some return more information. Details are contained in
the listings for the individual functions. Extended error return may be
obtained by calling function 59h (see 59h).

 Register settings listed are the ones used by DOS. Some functions will return
with garbage values in unused registers. Do not test for values in unspecified
registers; your program may exhibit odd behavior.

 DS:DX pointers are the data segment register (DS) indexed to the DH and DL
registers (DX). DX always contains the offset address, DS contains the segment
address.

 The File Control Block services (FCB services) were part of DOS 1.0. Since
the release of DOS 2.0, Microsoft has recommended that these services not be
used. A set of considerably more enhanced services (handle services) were
introduced with DOS 2.0. The handle services provide support for wildcards and
subdirectories, and enhanced error detection via function 59h.

 The data for the following calls was compiled from various Intel, Microsoft,
IBM, and other publications. There are many subtle differences between MSDOS
and PCDOS and between the individual versions. Differences between the
versions are noted as they occur.

 There are various ways of calling the DOS functions. For all methods, the
function number is loaded into register AH, subfunctions and/or parameters are
loaded into AL or other registers, and call int 21 by one of the following
methods:
 A) call interrupt 21h directly  (the recommended procedure)
 B) perform a long call to offset 50h in the program's PSP.
     1) This method will not work under DOS 1.x
     2) Though recommended by Microsoft for DOS 2.0, this method takes more
        time and is no longer recommended.
 C) place the function number in CL and perform an intrasegment call to
    location 05h in the current code segment. This location contains a long
    call to the DOS function dispatcher.
     1) IBM recommends this method be used only when using existing programs
        written for different calling conventions. (such as converting CP/M
        programs). This method should be avoided unless you have some specific
        use for it.
     2) AX is always destroyed by this method.
     3) This method is valid only for functions 00h-24h.

 There are also various ways of exiting from a program. (assuming it is not
intended to be a TSR). All methods except call 4Ch must ensure that the
segment register contains the segment address of the PSP.
 A) Interrupt 21h, function 4Ch (Terminate with Result Code). This is the
    "official" recommended method of returning to DOS.
 B) Interrupt 21h, function 00h (Exit Program). This is the early style
    int 21 function call. It simply calls int 20h.
 C) Interrupt 20h (Exit).
 D) A JMP instruction to offset 00h (int 20h vector) in the Program Segment
    Prefix. This is just a roundabout method to call int 20h. This method
    was set up in DOS 1.0 for ease of conversion for CP/M programs. It is no
    longer recommended for use.
 E) A JMP instruction to offset 05h (int 21 vector) in the Program Segment
    Prefix, with AH set to 00h or 4Ch. This is another CP/M type function.




INT 21H   DOS services
          Function (hex)

* Indicates Functions not documented in the IBM DOS Technical Reference.
 Note some functions have been documented in other Microsoft or licensed OEM
documentation.


Function  00h   Terminate Program
      Ends program, updates, FAT, flushes buffers, restores registers
entry   AH      00h
        CS      segment address of PSP
return  none
note 1) Program must place the segment address of the PSP control block in CS
        before calling this function.
     2) The terminate, ctrl-break,and critical error exit addresses (0Ah, 0Eh,
        12h) are restored to the values they had on entry to the terminating
        program, from the values saved in the program segment prefix at
        locations PSP:000Ah, PSP:000Eh, and PSP:0012h.
     3) All file buffers are flushed and the handles opened by the process are
        closed.
     4) Any files that have changed in length and are not closed are not
        recorded properly in the directory.
     5) Control transfers to the terminate address.
     6) This call performs exactly the same function as int 20h.
     7) All memory used by the program is returned to DOS.


Function  01h     Get Keyboard Input
        Waits for char at STDIN (if nescessary), echoes to STDOUT
entry   AH      01h
return  AL      ASCII character from STDIN (8 bits)
note 1) Checks char for Ctrl-C, if char is Ctrl-C, executes int 23h.
     2) For function call 06h, extended ASCII codes require two function calls.
        The first call returns 00h as an indicator that the next call will be an
        extended ASCII code.
     3) Input and output are redirectable. If redirected, there is no way to
        detect EOF.


Function  02h   Display Output
      Outputs char in DL to STDOUT
entry   AH      02h
        DL      8 bit data (usually ASCII character)
return  none
note 1) If char is 08 (backspace) the cursor is moved 1 char to the left
        (nondestructive backspace).
     2) If Ctrl-C is detected after input, int 23h is executed.
     3) Input and output are redirectable. If redirected, there is no way to
        detect disk full.


Function  03h   Auxiliary Input
      Get (or wait until) character from STDAUX
entry   AH      03h
return  AL      char from auxiliary device
note 1) AUX, COM1, COM2 is unbuffered and not interrupt driven
     2) This function call does not return status or error codes. For greater
        control it is recommended that you use ROM BIOS routine (int 14h) or
        write an AUX device driver and use IOCTL.
     3) At startup, PC-DOS initializes the first auxiliary port (COM1) to 2400
        baud, no parity, one stop bit, and an 8-bit word. MSDOS may differ.
     4) If Ctrl-C is has been entered from STDIN, int 23h is executed.


Function  04h   Auxiliary Output
      Write character to STDAUX
entry   AH      04h
        DL      char to send to AUX
return  none
note 1) This function call does not return status or error codes. For greater
        control it is recommended that you use ROM BIOS routine (int 14h) or
        write an AUX device driver and use IOCTL.
     2) If Ctrl-C is has been entered from STDIN, int 23h is executed.
     3) Default is COM1 unless redirected by DOS.
     4) If the device is busy, this function will wait until it is ready.


Function  05h   Printer Output
      Write character to STDPRN
entry   AL      05h
        DL      character to send
return  none
note 1) If Ctrl-C is has been entered from STDIN, int 23h is executed.
     2) Default is PRN or LPT1 unless redirected with the MODE command.
     3) If the printer is busy, this function will wait until it is ready.


Function  06h   Direct Console I/O
      Get character from STDIN; echo character to STDOUT
entry   AH      06h
        DL      0FFh for console input, or 00h-0FEh for console output
return  ZF      set   (1) = no character
                clear (0) = character recieved
        AL      character
note 1) Extended ASCII codes require two function calls. The first call returns
        00h to indicate the next call will return an extended code.
     2) If DL is not 0FFh, DL is assumed to have a valid character that is
        output to STDOUT.
     3) This function does not check for Ctrl-C or Ctrl-PrtSc.
     4) Does not echo input to screen
     5) If I/O is redirected, EOF or disk full cannot be detected.


Function  07h   Direct Console Input Without Echo         (does not check BREAK)
      Get or wait for char at STDIN, returns char in AL
entry   AH      07h
return  AL      character from standard input device
note 1) Extended ASCII codes require two function calls. The first call returns
        00h to indicate the next call will return an extended code.
     2) No checking for Ctrl-C or Ctrl-PrtSc is done.
     3) Input is redirectable.


Function  08h   Console Input Without Echo                (checks BREAK)
      Get or Wait for char at STDIN, return char in AL
entry   AH      08h
return  AL      char from standard input device
note 1) Char is checked for ctrl-C. If ctrl-C is detected, executes int 23h.
     2) For function call 08h, extended ASCII characters require two function
        calls. The first call returns 00h to signify an extended ASCII code.
        The next call returns the actual code.
     3) Input is redirectable. If redirected, there is no way to check EOF.


Function  09h   Print String
      Outputs Characters in the Print String to the STDOUT
entry   AH      09h
        DS:DX   pointer to the Character String to be displayed
return  none
note 1) The character string in memory must be terminated by a $ (24h)
        The $ is not displayed.
     2) Output to STDOUT is the same as function call 02h.


Function  0Ah   Buffered Keyboard Input
      Reads characters from STDIN and places them in the buffer beginning
      at the third byte.
entry   AH      0Ah
        DS:DX   pointer to an input buffer
return  none
note 1) Min buffer size = 1, max = 255
     2) Char is checked for ctrl-C. If ctrl-C is detected, executes int 23h.
     3) Format of buffer DX:
        byte       contents
         1      Maximum number of chars the buffer will take, including CR.
                Reading STDIN and filling the buffer continues until a carriage
                return (<Enter> or 0Dh) is read. If the buffer fills to one less
                than the maximum number the buffer can hold, each additional
                number read is ignored and ASCII 7 (BEL) is output to the
                display until a carriage return is read. (you must set this
                value)
         2      Actual number of characters received, excluding the carriage
                return, which is always the last character. (the function sets
                this value)
         3-n    Characters received are placed into the buffer starting here.
                Buffer must be at least as long as the number in byte 1.
     4) Input is redirectable. If redirected, there is no way to check EOF.
     5) The string may be edited with the standard DOS editing commands as it
        is being entered.
     6) Extended ASCII characters are stored as 2 bytes, the first byte being
        zero.


Function  0Bh   Check Standard Input (STDIN) status
      Checks for character availible at STDIN
entry   AH      0Bh
return  AL      0FFh    if a character is availible from STDIN
                00h     if no character is availible from STDIN
note 1) Checks for Ctrl-C. If Ctrl-C is detected, int 23h is executed
     2) Input can be redirected.
     3) Checks for character only, it is not read into the application
     4) IBM reports that this call does not work properly under the DOSSHELL
        program in DOS 4.00 and 4.01. DOSSHELL will return all zeroes. This
        function works correctly from the command line or application.


Function  0Ch   Clear Keyboard Buffer & Invoke a Keyboard Function       (FCB)
      Dumps buffer, executes function in AL (01h,06h,07h,08h,0Ah only)
entry   AH      0Ch
        AL      function number (must be 01h, 06h, 07h, 08h, or 0Ah)
return  AL      00h     buffer was flushed, no other processing performed
                other   any other value has no meaning
note 1) Forces system to wait until a character is typed.
     2) Flushes all typeahead input, then executes function specified by AL (by
        moving it to AH and repeating the int 21 call).
     3) If AL contains a value not in the list above, the keyboard buffer is
        flushed and no other action is taken.


Function  0Dh   Disk Reset
      Flushes all currently open file buffers to disk
entry   AH      0Dh
return          none
note 1) Does not close files. Does not update directory entries; files changed
        in size but not closed are not properly recorded in the directory
     2) Sets DTA address to DS:0080h
     3) Should be used before a disk change, Ctrl-C handlers, and to flush
        the buffers to disk.


Function  0Eh   Select Disk
      Sets the drive specified in DL (if valid) as the default drive
entry   AL      0Eh
        DL      new default drive number (0=A:,1=B:,2=C:,etc.)
return  AL      total number of logical drives (not nescessarily physical)
note 1) For DOS 1.x and 2.x, the minimum value for AL is 2.
     2) For DOS 3.x and 4.x, the minimum value for AL is 5.
     3) The drive number returned is not nescessarily a valid drive.
     4) For DOS 1.x: 16 logical drives are availible, A-P.
        For DOS 2.x: 63 logical drives are availible. (Letters are only used for
                     the first 26 drives. If more than 26 logical drives are
                     used, further drive letters will be other ASCII characters
                     ie {,], etc.
        For DOS 3.x: 26 logical drives are availible, A-Z.
        For DOS 4.x: 26 logical drives are availible, A-Z.


Function  0Fh   Open Disk File                                            (FCB)
      Searches current directory for specified filename and opens it
entry   AH      0Fh
        DS:DX   pointer to an unopened FCB
return  AL      00h     if file found
                0FFh    if file not not found
note 1) If the drive code was 0 (default drive) it is changed to the actual
        drive used (1=A:,2=B:,3=C:, etc). This allows changing the default drive
        without interfering with subsequent operations on this file.
     2) The current block field (FCB bytes C-D, offset 0Ch) is set to zero.
     3) The size of the record to be worked with (FCB bytes E-F, offset 0Eh) is
        set to the system default of 80h. The size of the file (offset 10h) and
        the date (offset 14h) are set from information obtained in the root
        directory. You can change the default value for the record size (FCB
        bytes E-F) or set the random record size and/or current record field.
        Perform these actions after the open but before any disk operations.
     4) The file is opened in compatibility mode.
     5) Microsoft recommends handle function call 3Dh be used instead.
     6) This call is also used by the APPEND command in DOS 3.2+
     7) Before performing a sequential disk operation on the file, you must
        set the Current Record field (offset 20h). Before performing a random
        disk operation on the file, you must set the Relative Record field
        (offset 21h). If the default record size of 128 bytes is incorrect, set
        it to the correct value.


Function  10h  Close File                                              (FCB)
     Closes a File After a File Write
entry   AH      10h
        DS:DX   pointer to an opened FCB
return  AL      00h     if the file is found and closed
                0FFh    if the file is not found in the current directory
note 1) This function call must be done on open files that are no longer needed,
        and after file writes to insure all directory information is updated.
     2) If the file is not found in its correct position in the current
        directory, it is assumed that the diskette was changed and AL returns
        0FFh. This error return is reportedly not completely reliable with DOS
        version 2.x.
     3) If found, the directory is updated to reflect the status in the FCB, the
        buffers to that file are flushed, and AL returns 00h.


Function  11h   Search For First Matching Entry                           (FCB)
      Searches current disk & directory for first matching filename
entry   AH      11h
        DS:DX   pointer to address of FCB
return  AL      00h     successful match
                0FFh    no matching filename found
note 1) The FCB may contain the wildcard character ? under Dos 2.x, and ? or *
        under 3.x and 4.x.
     2) The original FCB at DS:DX contains information to continue the search
        with function 12h, and should not be modified.
     3) If a matching filename is found, AL returns 00h and the locations at the
        Disk Transfer Address are set as follows:
        a) If the FCB provided for searching was an extended FCB, then the first
           byte at the disk transfer address is set to 0FFh followed by 5 bytes
           of zeroes, then the attribute byte from the search FCB, then the
           drive number used (1=A, 2=B, etc) then the 32 bytes of the directory
           entry. Thus, the disk transfer address contains a valid unopened FCB
           with the same search attributes as the search FCB.
        b) If the FCB provided for searching was a standard FCB, then the first
           byte is set to the drive number used (1=A,2=b,etc), and the next 32
           bytes contain the matching directory entry. Thus, the disk transfer
           address contains a valid unopened normal FCB.
     4) If an extended FCB is used, the following search pattern is used:
        a) If the FCB attribute byte is zero, only normal file entries are
           found. Entries for volume label, subdirectories, hidden or system
           files, are not returned.
        b) If the attribute byte is set for hidden or system files, or
           subdirectory entries, it is to be considered as an inclusive search.
           All normal file entries plus all entries matching the specified
           attributes are returned. To look at all directory entries except the
           volume label, the attribute byte may be set to hidden + system +
           directory (all 3 bits on).
        c) If the attribute field is set for the volume label, it is considered
           an exclusive search, and ONLY the volume label entry is returned.
     5) This call is also used by the APPEND command in DOS 3.2+


Function  12h   Search For Next Entry Using FCB                          (FCB)
      Search for next matching filename
entry   AH      12h
        DS:DX   pointer to the unopened FCB specified from the previous Search
                First (11h) or Search Next (12h)
return  AL      00h     if matching filename found
                0FFh    if matching filename was not found
note 1) After a matching filename has been found using function call 11h,
        function 12h may be called to find the next match to an ambiguous
        request. For DOS 2.x, ?'s are allowed in the filename. For DOS 3.x
        and 4.x, global (*) filename characters are allowed.
     2) The DTA contains info from the previous Search First or Search Next.
     3) All of the FCB except for the name/extension field is used to keep
        information nescessary for continuing the search, so no disk operations
        may be performed with this FCB between a previous function 11h or 12h
        call and this one.
     4) If the file is found, an FCB is created at the DTA address and set up to
        open or delete it.


Function  13h   Delete File Via FCB                                       (FCB)
      Deletes file specified in FCB from current directory
entry   AH      13h
        DS:DX   pointer to address of FCB
return  AL      00h     file deleted
                0FFh    if file not found or was read-only
note 1) All matching current directory entries are deleted. The global filename
        character "?" is allowed in the filename.
     2) Will not delete files with read-only attribute set
     3) Close open files before deleting them.
     4) Requires Network Access Rights


Function  14h   Sequential Disk File Read                                 (FCB)
      Reads record sequentially from disk via FCB
entry   AH  14h
        DS:DX   pointer to an opened FCB
return  AL      00h     successful read
                01h     end of file (no data read)
                02h     Data Transfer Area too small for record size specified
                        or segment overflow
                03h     partial record read, EOF found
note 1) The record size is set to the value at offset 0Eh in the FCB.
     2) The record pointed to by the Current Block (offset 0Ch) and the Current
        Record (offset 20h) fields is loaded at the DTA, then the Current Block
        and Current Record fields are incremented.
     3) The record is read into memory at the current DTA address as specified
        by the most recent call to function 1Ah. If the size of the record and
        location of the DTA are such that a segment overflow or wraparound would
        occur, the error return is set to AL=02h
     4) If a partial record is read at the end of the file, it is passed to the
        requested size with zeroes and the error return is set to AL=03h.


Function  15h   Sequential Disk Write                                     (FCB)
      Writes record specified by FCB sequentially to disk
entry   AH      15h
        DS:DX   pointer to address of FCB
return  AL      00h     successful write
                01h     diskette full, write canceled
                02h     disk transfer area (DTA) too small or segment wrap
note 1) The data to write is obtained from the disk transfer area
     2) The record size is set to the value at offset 0Eh in the FCB.
     3) This service cannot write to files set as read-only
     4) The record pointed to by the Current Block (offset 0Ch) and the Current
        Record (offset 20h) fields is loaded at the DTA, then the Current Block
        and Current Record fields are incremented.
     5) If the record size is less than a sector, the data in the DTA is written
        to a buffer; the buffer is written to disk when it contains a full
        sector of data, the file is closed, or a Reset Disk (function 0Dh) is
        issued.
     6) The record is written to disk at the current DTA address as specified
        by the most recent call to function 1Ah. If the size of the record and
        location of the DTA are such that a segment overflow or wraparound would
        occur, the error return is set to AL=02h


Function  16h   Create A Disk File                                        (FCB)
      Search and open or create directory entry for file
entry   AH      16h
        DS:DX   pointer to an FCB
return  AL      00h     successful creation
                0FFh    no room in directory
note 1) If a matching directory entry is found, the file is truncated to zero
        bytes.
     2) If there is no matching filename, a filename is created.
     3) This function calls function 0Fh (Open File) after creating or
        truncating a file.
     4) A hidden file can be created by using an extended FCB with the attribute
        byte (offset FCB-1) set to 2.


Function  17h   Rename File Specified by File Control Block              (FCB)
      Renames file in current directory
entry   AH      17h
        DS:DX   pointer to an FCB (see note 4)
return  AL      00h     successfully renamed
                0FFh    file not found or filename already exists
note 1) This service cannot rename read-only files
     2) The "?" wildcard may be used.
     3) If the "?" wildcard is used in the second filename, the corresponding
        letters in the filename of the directory entry are not changed.
     4) The FCB must have a drive number, filename, and extension in the usual
        position, and a second filename starting 6 bytes after the first, at
        offset 11h.
     5) The two filenames cannot have the same name.
     6) FCB contains new name starting at byte 17h.


Function  18h  Internal to DOS
 *   Unknown
entry   AH      18h
return  AL      0


Function  19h   Get Current Disk Drive
      Return designation of current default disk drive
entry   AH      19h
return  AL      current default drive (0=A, 1=B,etc.)
note    Some other DOS functions use 0 for default, 1=A, 2=B, etc.


Function  1Ah   Set Disk Transfer Area Address (DTA)
      Sets DTA address to the address specified in DS:DX
entry   AH      1Ah
        DS:DX   pointer to buffer
return  none
note 1) The default DTA is 128 bytes at offset 80h in the PSP. DOS uses the
        DTA for all file I/O.
     2) Registers are unchanged.
     3) No error codes are returned.
     2) Disk transfers cannot wrap around from the end of the segment to the
        beginning or overflow into another segment.


Function  1Bh   Get Current Drive File Allocation Table Information
      Returns information from the FAT on the current drive
entry   AH      1Bh
exit    AL      number of sectors per allocation unit (cluster)
        DS:BX   address of the current drive's media descriptor byte
        CX      number of bytes per sector
        DX      number of allocation units (clusters) for default drive
note 1) Save DS before calling this function.
     2) This call returned a pointer to the FAT in DOS 1.x. Beginning with
        DOS 2.00, it returns a pointer only to the table's ID byte.
     3) IBM recommends programmers avoid this call and use int 25h instead.


Function  1Ch   Get File Allocation Table Information for Specific Device
      Returns information on specified drive
entry   AH      1Ch
        DL      drive number (1=A, 2=B, 3=C, etc)
return  AL      number of sectors per allocation unit (cluster)
        DS:BX   address of media descriptor byte for drive in DL
        CX      sector size in bytes
        DX      number of allocation units (clusters)
note 1) DL = 0 for default.
     2) Save DS before calling this function.
     3) Format of media-descriptor byte:
        bits:   0       0   (clear)   not double sided
                        1   (set)     double sided
                1       0   (clear)   not 8 sector
                        1   (set)     8 sector
                2       0   (clear)   nonremovable device
                        1   (set)     removable device
                3-7     always set (1)
     4) This call returned a pointer to the FAT in DOS 1.x. Beginning with
        DOS 2.00, it returns a pointer only to the table's ID byte.
     5) IBM recommends programmers avoid this call and use int 25h instead.


Function  1Dh   Not Documented by Microsoft
 *    Unknown
entry   AH      1Dh
return  AL      0


Function  1Eh   Not Documented by Microsoft
 *    Unknown
entry   AH      1Eh
return  AL      0
note    Apparently does nothing


Function  1Fh Get Default Drive Parameter Block
 *  Same as function call 32h (below), except that the table is accessed from
    the default drive
entry   AH      1Fh
        other registers unknown
return  AL      00h     no error
                0FFh    error
        DS:BX   points to DOS Disk Parameter Block for default drive.
note 1) Unknown vector returned in ES:BX.
     2) For DOS 2.x and 3.x, this just invokes function 32h (undocumented,
        Read DOS Disk Block) with DL=0


Function  20h  Unknown
 *   Internal - does nothing?
entry   AH      20h
return  AL      0


Function  21h  Random Read from File Specified by File Control Block     (FCB)
     Reads one record as specified in the FCB into the current DTA.
entry   AH      21h
        DS:DX   address of the opened FCB
return  AL      00h     successful read operation
                01h     end of file (EOF), no data read
                02h     DTA too small for the record size specified
                03h     end of file (EOF), partial data read
note 1) The current block and current record fields are set to agree with the
        random record field. Then the record addressed by these fields is read
        into memory at the current Disk Transfer Address.
     2) The current file pointers are NOT incremented this function.
     3) If the DTA is larger than the file, the file is padded to the requested
        length with zeroes.


Function  22h  Random Write to File Specified by FCB                      (FCB)
     Writes one record as specified in the FCB to the current DTA
entry   AH      22h
        DS:DX   address of the opened FCB
return  AL      00h     successful write operation
                01h     disk full; no data written (write was canceled)
                02h     DTA too small for the record size specified (write was
                        canceled)
note 1) This service cannot write to read-only files.
     2) The record pointed to by the Current Block (offset 0Ch) and the Current
        Record (offset 20h) fields is loaded at the DTA, then the Current Block
        and Current Record fields are incremented.
     3) If the record size is less than a sector, the data in the DTA is written
        to a buffer; the buffer is written to disk when it contains a full
        sector of data, the file is closed, or a Reset Disk (function 0Dh) is
        issued.
     4) The current file pointers are NOT incremented this function.
     5) The record is written to disk at the current DTA address as specified
        by the most recent call to function 1Ah. If the size of the record and
        location of the DTA are such that a segment overflow or wraparound would
        occur, the error return is set to AL=02h


Function  23h  Get File Size                                             (FCB)
     Searches current subdirectory for matching file, returns size in FCB
entry   AH      23h
        DS:DX   address of an unopened FCB
return  AL      00h file found
                0FFh file not found
note 1) Record size field (offset 0Eh) must be set before invoking this function
     2) The disk directory is searched for the matching entry. If a matching
        entry is found, the random record field is set to the number of records
        in the file. If the value of the Record Size field is not an even
        divisor of the file size, the value set in the relative record field is
        rounded up. This gives a returned value larger than the actual file size
     3) This call is used by the APPEND command in DOS 3.2+


Function  24h  Set Relative Record Field                                  (FCB)
     Set random record field specified by an FCB
entry   AH      24h
        DS:DX   address of an opened FCB
return  Random Record Field of FCB is set to be same as Current Block
        and Current Record.
note 1) You must invoke this function before performing random file access.
     2) The relative record field of FCB (offset 21h) is set to be same as the
        Current Block (offset 0Ch) and Current Record (offset 20h).
     3) No error codes are returned.
     4) The FCB must already be opened.


Function  25h  Set Interrupt Vector
     Sets the address of the code DOS is to perform each time the specified
     interrupt is invoked.
entry   AH      25h
        AL      int number to reassign the handler to
        DS:DX   address of new interrupt vector
return  none
note 1) Registers are unchanged.
     2) No error codes are returned.
     3) The interrupt vector table for the interrupt number specified in AL
        is set to the address contained in DS:DX. Use function 35h (Get Vector)
        to get the contents of the interrupt vector and save it for later use.
     4) When you use function 25 to set an interrupt vector, DOS 3.2 doesn't
        point the actual interrupt vector to what you requested. Instead, it
        sets the interrupt vector to point to a routine inside DOS, which does
        this:
                1. Save old stack pointer
                2. Switch to new stack pointer allocated from DOS's stack pool
                3. Call your routine
                4. Restore old stack pointer
        The purpose for this was to avoid possible stack overflows when there
        are a large number of active interrupts. IBM was concerned (this was an
        IBM change, not Microsoft) that on a Token Ring network there would be
        a lot of interrupts going on, and applications that hadn't allocated
        very much stack space would get clobbered.


Function  26h  Create New Program Segment Prefix (PSP)
     This service copies the current program-segment prefix to a new memory
     location for the creation of a new program or overlay. Once the new PSP is
     in place, a DOS program can read a DOS COM or overlay file into the memory
     location immediately following the new PSP and pass control to it.
entry   AH      26h
        DX      segment number for the new PSP
return  none
note 1) Microsoft recommends you use the newer DOS service 4Bh (EXEC) instead.
     2) The entire 100h area at location 0 in the current PSP is copied into
        location 0 of the new PSP. The memory size information at location 6
        in the new segment is updated and the current termination, ctrl-break,
        and critical error addresses from interrupt vector table entries for
        ints 22h, 23h, and 24 are saved in the new program segment starting at
        0Ah. They are restored from this area when the program terminates.
     3) Current PSP is copied to specified segment


Function  27h  Random Block Read From File Specified by FCB
     Similar to 21h (Random Read) except allows multiple files to be read.
entry   AH      27h
        CX      number of records to be read
        DS:DX   address of an opened FCB
return  AL      00h     successful read
                01h     end of file, no data read
                02h     DTA too small for record size specified (read canceled)
                03h     end of file
        CX      actual number of records read (includes partial if AL=03h)
note 1) The record size is specified in the FCB. The service updates the Current
        Block (offset 0Ch) and Current Record (offset 20h) fields to the next
        record not read.
     2) If CX contained 0 on entry, this is a NOP.
     3) If the DTA is larger than the file, the file is padded to the requested
        length with zeroes.
     4) This function assumes that the FCB record size field (0Eh) is correctly
        set. If not set by the user, the default is 128 bytes.
     5) The record is written to disk at the current DTA address as specified
        by the most recent call to function 1Ah. If the size of the record and
        location of the DTA are such that a segment overflow or wraparound would
        occur, the error return is set to AL=02h


Function  28h  Random Block Write to File Specified in FCB
     Similar to 27h (Random Write) except allows multiple files to be read.
entry   AH      28h
        CX      number of records to write
        DS:DX   address of an opened FCB
return  AL      00h     successful write
                01h     disk full, no data written
                02h     DTA too small for record size specified (write canceled)
        CX      number of records written
note 1) The record size is specified in the FCB.
     2) This service allocates disk clusters as required.
     3) This function assumes that the FCB Record Size field (offset 0Eh) is
        correctly set. If not set by the user, the default is 128 bytes.
     4) The record size is specified in the FCB. The service updates the Current
        Block (offset 0Ch) and Current Record (offset 20h) fields to the next
        record not read.
     5) The record is written to disk at the current DTA address as specified
        by the most recent call to function 1Ah. If the size of the record and
        location of the DTA are such that a segment overflow or wraparound would
        occur, the error return is set to AL=02h
     6) If called with CX=0, no records are written, but the FCB's File Size
        entry (offset 1Ch) is set to the size specified by the FCB's Relative
        Record field (offset 21h).


Function  29h  Parse the Command Line for Filename
     Parses a text string into the fields of a File Control Block
entry   AH      29h
        DS:SI   pointer to string to parse
        ES:DI   pointer to memory buffer to fill with unopened FCB
        AL      bit mask to control parsing
                bit 0 = 0: parsing stops if file seperator found
                        1: causes service to scan past leading chars such as
                           blanks. Otherwise assumes the filename begins in
                           the first byte
                    1 = 0: drive number in FCB set to default (0) if string
                           contains no drive number
                        1: drive number in FCB not changed
                    2 = 0: filename in FCB set to 8 blanks if no filename in
                           string
                        1: filename in FCB not changed if string does not
                           contain a filename
                    3 = 0: extension in FCB set to 3 blanks if no extension in
                           string
                        1: extension left unchanged
                    4-7    must be zero
return  AL      00h     no wildcards in name or extension
                01h     wildcards appeared in name or extension
                0FFh    invalid drive specifier
        DS:SI   pointer to the first byte after the parsed string
        ES:DI   pointer to a buffer filled with the unopened FCB
note 1) If the * wildcard characters are found in the command line, this service
        will replace all subsequent chars in the FCB with question marks.
     2) This service uses the characters as filename separators
        DOS 1       : ; . , + / [ ] = " TAB SPACE
        DOS 2,3     : ; . , + = TAB SPACE
     3) This service uses the characters
        : ; . , + < > | / \ [ ] = " TAB SPACE
        or any control characters as valid filename separators
     4) A filename cannot contain a filename terminator. If one is encountered,
        all processing stops. The handle functions will allow use of some of
        these characters.
     5) If no valid filename was found on the command line, ES:DI +1 points
        to a blank (ASCII 32).
     6) This function cannot be used with filespecs which include a path
     7) Parsing is in the form D:FILENAME.EXT. If one is found, a corresponding
        unopened FCB is built at ES:DI


Function  2Ah  Get Date
     Returns day of the week, year, month, and date
entry   AH      2Ah
return  CX      year    (1980-2099)
        DH      month   (1-12)
        DL      day     (1-31)
        AL      weekday 00h     Sunday
                        01h     Monday
                        02h     Tuesday
                        03h     Wednesday
                        04h     Thursday
                        05h     Friday
                        06h     Saturday
note 1) Date is adjusted automatically if clock rolls over to the next day,
        and takes leap years and number of days in each month into account.
     2) Although DOS cannot set an invalid date, it can read one, such as
        1/32/80, etc.
     3) DesQview also accepts CX = 4445h and DX = 5351h, i.e. 'DESQ' as valid
     4) DOS will accept CH=0 (midnight) as a valid time, but if a file's time
        is set to exactly midnight the time will not be displayed by the DIR
        command.


Function  2Bh  Set Date
     set current system date
entry   AH      2Bh
        CX      year    (1980-2099)
        DH      month   (1-12)
        DL      day     (1-31)
return  AL      00h     no error (valid date)
                0FFh    invalid date specified
note 1) On entry, CX:DX must have a valid date in the same format as returned
        by function call 2Ah
     2) DOS 3.3 also sets CMOS clock


Function  2Ch  Get Time
     Get current system time from CLOCK$ driver
entry   AH      2Ch
return  CH      hours   (0-23)
        CL      minutes (0-59)
        DH      seconds (0-59)
        DL      hundredths of a second (0-99)
note 1) Time is updated every 5/100 second.
     2) The date and time are in binary format


Function  2Dh  Set Time
     Sets current system time
entry   AH      2Dh
        CH      hours   (0-23)
        CL      minutes (0-59)
        DH      seconds (0-59)
        DL      hundredths of seconds (0-99)
return  AL      00h     if no error
                0FFh    if bad value sent to routine
note 1) DOS 3.3 also sets CMOS clock
     2) CX and DX must contain a valid time in binary


Function  2Eh  Set/Reset Verify Switch
     Set verify flag
entry   AH      2Eh
        AL      00      to turn verify off (default)
                01      to turn verify on
return  none
note 1) This is the call invoked by the DOS VERIFY command
     2) Setting of the verify switch can be obtained by calling call 54h
     3) This call is not supported on network drives
     4) DOS checks this flag each time it accesses a disk


Function  2Fh  Get Disk Transfer Address (DTA)
     Returns current disk transfer address used by all DOS read/write operations
entry   AH      2Fh
return  ES:BX   address of DTA
note 1) The DTA is set by function call 1Ah
     2) Default DTA address is a 128 byte buffer at offset 80h in that program's
        Program Segment Prefix


Function  30h  Get DOS Version Number
     Return DOS version and/or user number
entry   AH      30h
return  AH      minor version number  (i.e., DOS 2.10 returns AX = 0A02h)
        AL      major version number
        BH      OEM ID number
                00h     IBM
                16h     DEC    (others not known)
        BL:CX   24-bit user serial number
note 1) If AL returns a major version number of zero, the DOS version is
        below 1.28 for MSDOS and below 2.00 for PCDOS.
     2) IBM PC-DOS always returns 0000h in BX and CX.
     3) OS/2 v1.0 Compatibility Box returns a value of 10 for major version.
     4) Due to the OS/2 return and the fact that some European versions of DOS
        carry higher version numbers than IBM's DOS, utilities which check
        for a DOS version should not abort if a higher version than required
        is found unless some specific problems are known.


Function  31h  Terminate Process and Stay Resident
     KEEP, or TSR
entry   AH      31h

        AL      exit code
        DX      program memory requirement in 16 byte paragraphs
return  AX      return code (retrieveable by function 4Dh)
note 1) Files opened by the application are not closed when this call is made
     2) Memory can be used more efficiently if the block containing the copy of
        the DOS environment is deallocated before terminating. This can be done
        by loading ES with the segment contained in 2Ch of the PSP and issuing
        function call 49h (Free Allocated Memory).
     3) Unlike int 27h, more than 64k may be made resident with this call


Function  32h  Read DOS Disk Block
 *   Retrieve the pointer to the drive parameter block for a drive
entry   AH      32h
        DL      drive (0=default, 1=A:, etc.).
return  AL      00h     if drive is valid
                0FFh    if drive is not valid
        DS:BX   pointer to DOS Drive Parameter Table. Format of block:
                Bytes   Type        Value
                00h     byte    Drive: 0=A:, 1=B:, etc.
                01h     byte    Unit within drive (0, 1, 2, etc.)
                02h-03h word    Bytes per sector
                04h     byte    Sectors per cluster - 1
                05h     byte    Cluster to sector shift (i.e., how far to shift-
                                left the bytes/sector to get bytes/cluster)
                06h-07h word    Number of reserved (boot) sectors
                08h     byte    Number of FATs
                09h-0Ah word    Number of root directory entries
                0Bh-0Ch word    Sector # of 1st data. Should be same as # of
                                sectors/track.
                0Dh-0Eh word    # of clusters + 1 (=last cluster #)
                0Fh     byte    Sectors for FAT
                10h-11h word    First sector of root directory
                12h-15h dword   Address of device driver header for this drive
                16h     byte    Media Descriptor Byte for this drive
                17h     byte    0FFh indicates block must be rebuilt
                                (DOS 3.x) 00h indicates block device has
                                been accessed
                18h-1Bh dword   address of next DOS Disk Block (0FFFFh means
                                last in chain)
                22h     byte    Current Working Directory (2.0 only) (64 bytes)
note 1) Use [BX+0D] to find no. of clusters (>1000H, 16-bit FAT; if not, 12-bit
        (exact dividing line is probably a little below 1000h to allow for
        bad sectors, EOF markers, etc.)
     2) Short article by C.Petzold, PC Magazine  Vol.5,no.8, and the article
        "Finding Disk Parameters" in the May 1986 issue of PC Tech Journal.
     3) This call is mostly supported in OS/2 1.0's DOS Compatibility Box. The
        dword at 12h will not return the address of the next device driver when
        in the Compatibility Box.
     4) used by CHKDSK


Function  33h  Control-Break Check
     Get or set control-break checking at CON
entry   AH      33h
        AL      00h     to test for break checking
                01h     to set break checking
                        DL      00h     to disable break checking
                                01h     to enable break checking
                02h     internal, called by PRINT.COM (DOS 3.1)
                03h     unknown
                04h     unknown
                05h     boot drive (DOS 4.0+)
return  DL      00h     if break=off
                01h     if break=on
                (if AL=05h) boot drive, A=1, B=2, etc)
        AL      0FFh    error


Function  34h  Return INDOS Flag
 *   Returns ES:BX pointing to Critical Section Flag, byte indicating whether
     it is safe to interrupt DOS.
entry   AH      34h
return  ES:BX   points to DOS "critical section flag"
note 1) If byte is 0, it is safe to interrupt DOS. This was mentioned in some
        documentation by Microsoft on a TSR standard, and PC Magazine reports
        it functions reliably under DOS versions 2.0 through 3.3. Chris
        Dunford (of CED fame) and a number of anonymous messages on the BBSs
        indicate it may not be totally reliable.
     2) The byte at ES:BX+1 is used by the Print program for this same purpose,
        so it's probably safer to check the WORD at ES:BX.
     3) Reportedly, examination of DOS 2.10 code in this area indicates that the
        byte immediately following this "critical section flag" must be 00h to
        permit the PRINT.COM interrupt to be called. For DOS 3.0 and 3.1 (except
        Compaq DOS 3.0), the byte before the "critical section flag" must be
        zero; for Compaq DOS 3.0, the byte 01AAh before it must be zero.
     4) In DOS 3.10 this reportedly changed to word value, with preceding byte.
     5) This call is supported in OS/2 1.0's DOS Compatibility Box
     6) Gordon Letwin of Microsoft discussed this call on usenet in 1984. He
        stated:
        a) this is not supported under any version of the DOS
        b) it usually works under DOS 2, but there may be circumstances
           when it doesn't (general disclaimer, don't know of a specific
           circumstance)
        c) it will usually not work under DOS 3 and DOS 3.1; the DOS is
           considerably restructured and this flag takes on additional
           meanings and uses
        d) it will fail catastrophically under DOS 4.0 and forward.
           Obviously this information is incorrect since the call works fine
           through DOS 3.3. Microsoft glasnost?


Function  35h  Get Vector
     Get interrupt vector
entry   AH      35h
        AL      interrupt number (hexadecimal)
return  ES:BX   address of interrupt vector
note    Use function call 25h to set the interrupt vectors


Function  36h  Get Disk Free Space
     get information on specified drive
entry   AH      36h
        DL      drive number (0=default, 1=A:, 2=B:, etc)
return  AX      number of sectors per cluster
                0FFFFh means drive specified in DL is invalid
        BX      number of availible clusters
        CX      bytes per sector
        DX      clusters per drive
note 1) Mult AX * CX * BX for free space on disk
     2) Mult AX * CX * DX for total disk space
     3) Function 36h returns an incorrect value after an ASSIGN command. Prior
        to ASSIGN, the DX register contains 0943h on return, which is the free
        space in clusters on the HC diskette. After ASSIGN, even with no
        parameters, 0901h is returned in the DX register; this is an incorrect
        value. Similar results occur with DD diskettes on a PC-XT or a PC-AT.
        This occurs only when the disk is not the default drive. Results are as
        expected when the drive is the default drive. Therefore, the
        circumvention is to make the desired drive the default drive prior to
        issuing this function call.
     4) Int 21h, function call 36h returns an incorrect value after an ASSIGN
        command. Prior to ASSIGN, the DX register contains 0943h on return,
        which is the free space in clusters on the HC diskette. After ASSIGN,
        even with no parameters, 0901h is returned in the DX register; this is
        an incorrect value. Similar results occur with DD diskettes on a PC-XT
        or a PC-AT. This occurs only when the disk is not the default drive.
        Results are as expected when the drive is the default drive. Therefore,
        the circumvention is to make the desired drive the default drive prior
        to issuing this function call.
     5) This function supercedes functions 1Bh and 1Ch.


Function  37h  SWITCHAR / AVAILDEV
 *   Get/set option marking character (is usually "/"), and device type
entry   AH      37h
        AL      00h     read switch character (returns current character in DL)
                01h     set character in DL as new switch character
      (DOS 2.x) 02h     read device availability (as set by function AL=3) into
                        DL. A 0 means devices that devices must be accessed in
                        file I/O calls by /dev/device. A non-zero value means
                        that devices are accessible at every level of the
                        directory tree (e.g., PRN is the printer and not a file
                        PRN).
                        AL=2 to return flag in DL, AL=3 to set from DL (0 = set,
                        1 = not set).
      (DOS 2.x) 03h     get device availability, where:
        DL      00h     means /dev/ must precede device names
                01h     means /dev/ need not precede device names
return  DL      switch character (if AL=0 or 1)
                device availability flag (if AL=2 or 3)
        AL      0FFh    the value in AL was not in the range 0-3.
note 1) Functions 2 & 3 appear not to be implemented for DOS 3.x.
     2) It is documented on page 4.324 of the MS-DOS (version 2) Programmer's
        Utility Pack (Microsoft - published by Zenith).
     3) Works on all versions of IBM PC-DOS from 2.0 through 3.3.1.
     4) The SWITCHAR is the character used for "switches" in DOS command
        arguments (defaults to '/', as in "DIR/P"). '-' is popular to make a
        system look more like UNIX; if the SWITCHAR is anything other than '/',
        then '/' may be used instead of '\' for pathnames
     5) Ignored by XCOPY, PKARC, LIST
     6) SWITCHAR may not be set to any character used in a filename
     7) In DOS 3.x you can still read the "AVAILDEV" byte with subfunction 02h
        but it always returns 0FFh even if you try to change it to 0 with
        subfunction 03h.
     8) AVAILDEV=0 means that devices must be referenced in an imaginary
        subdirectory "\dev" (similar to UNIX's /dev/*); a filename "PRN.DAT"
        can be created on disk and manipulated like any other. If AVAILDEV != 0
        then device names are recognized anywhere (this is the default):
        "PRN.DAT" is synonymous with "PRN:".
     9) These functions reportedly are not supported in the same fashion in
        various implementations of DOS.
    10) used by DOS 3.3 CHKDSK, BASIC, DEBUG


Function  38h   Return Country Dependent Information
                (PCDOS 2.0, 2.1, MSDOS 2.00 only)
entry   AH      38h
        AL      function code  (must be 0 in DOS 2.x)
        DS:DX   pointer to 32 byte memory buffer for returned information
return  CF      set on error
                AX      error code (02h)
        BX      country code
        DS:DX   pointer to buffer filled with country information:
                bytes 0,1       date/time format
                                0       USA standard       H:M:S   M/D/Y
                                1       European standard  H:M:S   D/M/Y
                                2       Japanese standard  H:M:S   D:M:Y
                byte2   ASCIIZ string currency symbol
                byte3   zeroes
                byte4   ASCIIZ string thousands separator
                byte5   zeroes
                byte6   ASCIIZ string decimal separator
                byte7   zeroes
                bytes 8,1Fh  24 bytes   reserved


Function  38h   Get Country Dependent Information
                (PCDOS 3.x+, MSDOS 2.01+)
entry   AH      38h
        AL      function code
                00h     to get current country information
                01h-0FEh country code to get information for, for countries
                        with codes less than 255
                0FFh    to get country information for countries with a code
                        greater than 255
                        BX      16 bit country code if AL=0FFh
        DS:DX   pointer to the memory buffer where the data will be returned
                DX      0FFFFh if setting country code rather than getting info
return  CF      0 (clear) function completed
                1 (set) error
                   AX   error code
                        02h     invalid country code (no table for it)
        (if DX <> 0FFFFh)
        BX      country code (usually international telephone code)
        DS:DX   pointer to country data buffer
          bytes 0,1     date/time format
                        0       USA standard       H:M:S   M/D/Y
                        1       European standard  H:M:S   D/M/Y
                        2       Japanese standard  H:M:S   D:M:Y
          bytes 2-6     currency symbol null terminated
          byte  07h     thousands separator null terminated
          byte  08h     zeroes
          byte  09h     decimal separator null terminated
          byte  0Ah     zeroes
          byte  0Bh     date separator null terminated
          byte  0Ch     zeroes
          byte  0Dh     time separator null terminated
          byte  0Eh     zeroes
          byte  0Fh     bit field currency format
                        bit 0 = 0  if currency symbol precedes the value
                                1  if currency symbol is after the value
                        bit 1 = 0  no spaces between value and currency symbol
                                1  one space between value and currency symbol
                        bit 2 = 1  set if currency symbol replaces decimal pt
                        bits 3-7   not defined by Microsoft
          byte  10h     number of significant decimal digits in currency
                        (number of places to right of decimal point)
          byte  11h     time format
                        bit 0 = 0       12 hour clock
                                1       24 hour clock
                        bits 1-7 unknown, probably not used
          bytes 12h-15h address of case map routine (FAR CALL, AL = char)
                        entry   AL  ASCII code of character to be converted to
                                    uppercase
                        return  AL  ASCII code of the uppercase input character
          byte  16h     data-list separator character
          byte  17h     zeroes
          bytes 18h-21h 5 words reserved
note 1) When an alternate keyboard handler is invoked, the keyboard routine is
        loaded into user memory starting at the lowest portion of availible
        user memory. The BIOS interrupt vector that services the keyboard is
        redirected to the memory area where the new routine resides. Each new
        routine takes up about 1.6K of memory and has lookup tables that return
        values unique to each language. (KEYBxx in the DOS book)
         Once the keyboard interrupt vector is changed by the DOS keyboard
        routine, the new routine services all calls unless the system is
        returned to the US format by the ctrl-alt-F1 keystroke combination. This
        does not change the interrupt vector back to the BIOS location; it
        merely passes the table lookup to the ROM locations.
     2) Ctrl-Alt-F1 will only change systems with US ROMS to the US layout.
        Some systems are delivered with non-US keyboard handler routines in ROM
     3) Case mapping call: the segment/offset of a FAR procedure that performs
        country-specific lower-to-upper case mapping on ASCII characters 80h to
        0FFh. It is called with the character to be mapped in AL. If there is
        an uppercase code for the letter, it is returned in AL, if there is no
        code or the function was called with a value of less than 80h AL is
        returned unchanged.
     4) This call is fully implemented in MS-DOS version 2.01 and higher. It
        is in version 2.00 but not fully implemented (according to Microsoft)


Function  38h   Set Country Dependent Information
entry   AH      38h
        AL      code    country code to set information for, for countries
                        with codes less than 255
                0FFh    to set country information for countries with a code
                        greater than 255
        BX      16 bit country code if AL=0FFh
        DX      0FFFFh
return  CF      clear   successful
                set     if error
                        AX      error code (02h)


Function  39h   Create Subdirectory (MKDIR)
                Makes a subdirectory along the indicated path
entry   AH      39h
        DS:DX   address of ASCIIZ pathname string
return  flag CF 0       successful
                1       error
                        AX      error code if any  (3, 5)
note 1) The ASCIIZ string may contain drive and subdirectory.
     2) Drive may be any valid drive (not nescessarily current drive)
     3) The pathname cannot exceed 64 characters


Function  3Ah   Remove Subdirectory  (RMDIR)
entry   AH      3Ah
        DS:DX   address of ASCIIZ pathname string
return  CF      clear     successful
                set       AX      error code if any  (3, 5, 16)
note 1) The ASCIIZ string may contain drive and subdirectory.
     2) Drive may be any valid drive (not nescessarily current drive)
     3) The pathname cannot exceed 64 characters


Function  3Bh   Change Current Directory  (CHDIR)
entry   AH      3Bh
        DS:DX   address of ASCIIZ string
return  flag CF 0       successful
                1       error
        AX      error code if any (3)
note 1) The pathname cannot exceed 64 characters
     2) The ASCIIZ string may contain drive and subdirectory.
     3) Drive may be any valid drive (not nescessarily current drive)


Function  3Ch   Create A File (CREAT)
                Create a file with handle
entry   AH      3Ch
        CX      attributes for file
                00h     normal
                01h     read only
                02h     hidden
                03h     system
        DS:DX   address of ASCIIZ filename string
return  flag CF 0       successful creation
                1       error
        AX      16 bit file handle
                or error code  (3, 4, 5)
note 1) The ASCIIZ string may contain drive and subdirectory.
     2) Drive may be any valid drive (not nescessarily current drive)
     3) If the volume label or subdirectory bits are set in CX, they are ignored
     4) The file is opened in read/write mode
     5) If the file does not exist, it is created. If one of the same name
        exists, it is truncated to a length of 0.
     6) Good practice is to attempt to open a file with fn 3Dh and jump to an
        error routine if successful, create file if 3Dh fails. That way an
        existing file will not be truncated and overwritten.


Function  3Dh   Open A File
                Open disk file with handle
entry   AH      3Dh
        AL      access code byte
(DOS 2.x)       bits 0-2  file attribute
                000     read only
                001     write only
                010     read/write
                bits 3-7 should be set to zero
(DOS 3.x)       bits 0-2  file attribute
                000     read only
                001     write only
                010     read/write
                bit 3   reserved
                0       should be set to zero
                bits 4-6 sharing mode (network)
                000     compatibility mode (the way FCBs open files)
                001     read/write access denied (exclusive)
                010     write access denied
                011     read access denied
                100     full access permitted
                bit 7   inheritance flag
                0       file inherited by child process
                1       file private to child process
        DS:DX   address of ASCIIZ pathname string
return  flag CF set on error
                AX      error code
                1       error
        AX      16 bit file handle
                or error code (1, 2, 4, 5, 0Ch)
note 1) Opens any normal, system, or hidden file
     2) Files that end in a colon are not opened
     3) The rear/write pointer is set at the first byte of the file and the
        record size of the file is 1 byte (the read/write pointer can be changed
        through function call 42h). The returned file handle must be used for
        all subsequent input and output to the file.
     4) If the file handle was inherited from a parent process or was
        duplicated by DUP or FORCEDUP, all sharing and access restrictions are
        also inherited.
     5) A file sharing error (error 1) causes an int 24h to execute with an
        error code of 2


Function  3Eh   Close A File Handle
                Close a file and release handle for reuse
entry   AH      3Eh
        BX      file handle
return  flag CF 0       successful close
                1       error
        AX      error code if error (6)
note 1) When executed, the file is closed, the directory is updated, and all
        buffers for that file are flushed. If the file was changed, the time
        and date stamps are changed to current
     2) If called with the handle 00000, it will close STDIN (normally the
        keyboard).


Function  3Fh   Read From A File Or Device
                Read from file with handle
entry   AH      3Fh
        BX      file handle
        CX      number of bytes to read
        DS:DX   address of buffer
return  flag CF 0       successful read
                1       error
        AX      0       pointer was already at end of file
                        or number of bytes read
                        or error code (5, 6)
note 1) This function attempts to transfer the number of bytes specified in CX
        to a buffer location. It is not guaranteed that all bytes will be read.
        If AX < CX a partial record was read.
     2) If performed from STDIN (file handle 0000), the input can be redirected
     3) If used to read the keyboard, it will only read to the first CR
     4) The file pointer is incremented to the last byte read.


Function  40h   Write To A File Or Device
                Write to file with handle
entry   AH      40h
        BX      file handle
        CX      number of bytes to write
        DS:DX   address of buffer
return  flag CF 0       successful write
                1       error
        AX      number of bytes written
                or error code  (5, 6)
note 1) This call attempts to transfer the number of bytes indicated in CX
        from a buffer to a file. If CX and AX do not match after the write,
        an error has taken place; however no error code will be returned for
        this problem. This is usually caused by a full disk.
     2) If the write is performed to STDOUT (handle 0001), it may be redirected
     3) To truncate the file at the current position of the file pointer, set
        the number of bytes in CX to zero before calling int 21h. The pointer
        can be moved to any desired position with function 42h.
     4) This function will not write to a file or device marked read-only.
     5) May also be used to display strings to CON instead of fn 09h. This
        function will write CX bytes and stop; fn 09h will continue to write
        until a $ character is found.
     6) This is the call that DOS actually uses to write to the screen in DOS
        2.x and above.


Function  41h   Delete A File From A Specified Subdirectory  (UNLINK)
entry   AH      41h
        DS:DX   pointer to ASCIIZ filespec to delete
return  CF      0       successful
                1       error
                AX      error code if any  (2, 5)
note 1) This function will not work on a file marked read-only
     2) Wildcards are not accepted


Function  42h   Move a File Read/Write Pointer  (LSEEK)
entry   AH      42h
        AL      method code
                00h     offset from beginning of file
                01h     offset from present location
                02h     offset from end of file
        BX      file handle
        CX      most significant half of offset
        DX      least significant half of offset
return  AX      low offset of new file pointer
        DX      high offset of new file pointer
        CF      0       successful move
                1       error
                AX      error code (1, 6)
note 1) If pointer is at end of file, reflects file size in bytes.
     2) The value in DX:AX is the absolute 32 bit byte offset from the beginning
        of the file


Function   43h  Get/Set file attributes  (CHMOD)
entry   AH      43h
        AL      00h     get file attributes
                01h     set file attributes
                CX      file attributes to set
                    bit 0       read only
                        1       hidden file
                        2       system file
                        3       volume label
                        4       subdirectory
                        5       written since backup
        DS:DX   pointer to full ASCIIZ file name
return  CF      set if error
        AX      error code  (1, 2, 3, 5)
        CX      file attributes on get
                attributes:
                01h     read only
                02h     hidden
                04h     system
                0FFh    archive
note 1) This call will not change the volume label or directory bits


Function  44h   I/O Control for Devices (IOCTL)
                Get or Set Device Information
entry   AH      44h
        AL      00h     Get Device Information (from DX)
                        BX      file or device handle
                        return  DX      device info
                                        If bit 7 set: (character device)
                                           bit 0: console input device
                                               1: console output device
                                               2: NUL device
                                               3: CLOCK$ device
                                               4: device is special
                                               5: binary (raw) mode
                                               6: not EOF
                                              12: network device (DOS 3.x)
                                              14: can process IOCTL control
                                                  strings (func 2-5)
                                        If bit 7 clear: (file)
                                           bits 0-5: block device number
                                                6: file has not been written
                                               12: Network device (DOS 3.x)
                                               15: file is remote (DOS 3.x)
                01h     Set Device Information (DH must be zero for this call)
                        DX bits:
                        0    1  console input device
                        1    1  console output device
                        2    1  null device
                        3    1  clock device
                        4    1  reserved
                        5    0  binary mode - don't check for control chars
                             1  cooked mode - check for control chars
                        6    0  EOF - End Of File on input
                        7       device is character device if set, if not, EOF
                                is 0 if channel has been written, bits 0-5 are
                                block device number
                        12      network device
                        14   1  can process control strings (AL 2-5, can only be
                                read, cannot be set)
                        15   n  reserved
                02h     Read CX bytes to device in DS:DX from BX control chan
                03h     Write Device Control String
                        BX      device handle
                        CX      number of bytes to write
                        DS:DX   pointer to buffer
                        return  AX      number of bytes written
                04h     Read From Block Device (drive number in BL)
                        BL      drive number (0=default)
                        CX      number of bytes to read
                        DS:DX   pointer to buffer
                        return  AX      number of bytes read
                05h     Write to Block Device  (drive number in BL)
                        AX      number of bytes transfered
                06h     Get Input Handle Status
                        BX      file or device handle
                        return  AL      0FFh    device ready
                                        00h     device not ready
                07h     Get Output Handle Status
                        return  AL      00h     not ready
                                        0FFh    ready
                         note: for DOS 2.x, files are always ready for output
                08h     Removable Media Bit (DOS 3.x+)
                        return  AX      00h     device is removable
                                        01h     device is nonremovable
                                        0Fh     invalid drive specification
                09h     Test whether Local or Network Device in BL (DOS 3.x+)
                        BL      drive number (0=default)
                        return  DX      attribute word, bit 12 set if device is
                                        remote
                0Ah     Is Handle in BX Local or Remote? (DOS 3.x+)
                        BX     file handle
                        return DX (attribute word) bit 15 set if file is remote
                0Bh     Change Sharing Retry Count to DX (default=3), (DOS 3.x+)
                        CX     delay (default=1)
                        DX     retry count (default=3)
                0Ch     General IOCTL (DOS 3.3 [3.2?]) allows a device driver to
                        prepare, select, refresh, and query Code Pages
                0Dh     Block Device Request (DOS 3.3+)
                        BL      drive number (0=default)
                        CH      major subfunction
                        CL      minor subfunction
                                40h set device parameters
                                41h write logical device track
                                42h format and verify logical device track
                                60h get device parameters
                                61h read logical device track
                                62h verify logical device track
                        DS:DX   pointer to parameter block
                0Eh     Get Logical Device (DOS 3.3+)
                        BL      drive number (0=default)
                        return  AL=0 block device has only one logical drive
                                assigned 1..n the last letter used to reference
                                the device (1=A:,etc)
                0Fh     Set Logical Device (DOS 3.3+)
        BL      drive number:  0=default, 1=A:, 2=B:, etc.
        BX      file handle
        CX      number of bytes to read or write
        DS:DX   data or buffer
        DX      data
return  AX      number of bytes transferred
                or error code (call function 59h for extended error codes)
                or status  00h     not ready
                           0FFh    ready
        CF      set if error


Function  45h   Duplicate a File Handle (DUP)
entry   AH      45h
        BX      file handle to duplicate
return  CF      clear   AX      duplicate handle
                set     AX      error code  (4, 6)
note 1) If you move the pointed of one handle, the pointer of the other will
        also be moved.
     2) The handle in BX must be open


Function  46h   Force Duplicate of a Handle (FORCEDUP or CDUP)
                Forces handle in CX to refer to the same file at the same
                position as BX
entry   AH      46h
        BX      existing file handle
        CX      new file handle
return  CF      clear   both handles now refer to existing file
                set     error
                AX      error code (4, 6)
note 1) If CX was an open file, it is closed first
     2) If you move the read/write pointer of either file, both will move
     3) The handle in BX must be open


Function  47h   Get Current Directory
                Places full pathname of current directory/drive into a buffer
entry   AH      47h
        DL      drive (0=default, 1=A:, etc.)
        DS:SI   points to 64-byte buffer area
return  CF      clear   DS:DI   pointer to ASCIIZ pathname of current directory
                set     AX      error code (0Fh)
note   String does not begin with a drive identifier or a backslash


Function  48h   Allocate Memory
                Allocates requested number of 16-byte paragraphs of memory
entry   AH      48h
        BX      number of 16-byte paragraphs desired
return  CF      clear   AX      segment address of allocated space
                        BX      maximum number paragraphs available
                set     AX      error code (7, 8)
note    BX indicates maximum memory availible only if allocation fails


Function  49h   Free Allocated Memory
                Frees specified memory blocks
entry   AH      49h
        ES      segment address of area to be freed
return  CF      clear   successful
                set     AX      error code (7, 9)
note 1) This call is only valid when freeing memory obtained by function 48h.
     2) A program should not try to release memory not belonging to it.


Function  4Ah   Modify Allocated Memory Blocks (SETBLOCK)
                Expand or shrink memory for a program
entry   AH      4AH
        BX      new size in 16 byte paragraphs
        ES      segment address of block to change
return  CF      clear   nothing
                set     AX      error code (7, 8, 9)
                    or  BX      max number paragraphs available
note 1) Max number paragraphs availible is returned only if the call fails
     2) Memory can be expanded only if there is memory availible


Function  4Bh   Load or Execute a Program  (EXEC)
entry   AH      4Bh
        AL      00h     load and execute program. A PSP is built for the program
                        the ctrl-break and terminate addresses are set to the
                        new PSP.
               *01h     load but don't execute  (note 1)
               *01h     load but don't execute (internal, DOS 3.x & DESQview)
               *02h     load but do not execute (internal, DOS 2.x only)
                03h     load overlay (do not create PSP, do not begin execution)
        DS:DX   points to the ASCIIZ string with the drive, path, and filename
                to be loaded
        ES:BX   points to a parameter block for the load
               (AL=00h) word    segment address of environment string to be
                                passed
                       dword    pointer to the command line to be placed at
                                PSP+80h
                       dword    pointer to default FCB to be passed at PSP+5Ch
                       dword    pointer to default FCB to be passed at PSP+6Ch
              (*AL=01h) word    segment of environment (0 = use current)
                       dword    pointer to command line
                       dword    pointer to FCB 1
                       dword    pointer to FCB 2
                       dword    will hold SS:SP on return
                       dword    will hold program entry point (CS:IP) on return
              (*AL=02h) word    segment of environment (0 = use current)
                       dword    pointer to command line
                       dword    pointer to FCB 1
                       dword    pointer to FCB 2
               (AL=03h) word    segment address where file will be loaded
                        word    relocation factor to be applied to the image
return  CF      set     error
                        AX      error code (1, 2, 8, 0Ah, 0Bh)
note 1) If you make this call with AL=1 the program will be loaded as if you
        made the call with AL=0 except that the program will not be executed.
        Additionally, with AL=1 the stack segment and pointer along with the
        program's CS:IP entry point are returned to the program which made the
        4B01h call. These values are put in the four words at ES:BX+0Eh. On
        entry to the call ES:BX points to the environment address, the command
        line and the two default FCBs. This form of EXEC is used by DEBUG.COM.
     2) Application programs may invoke a secondary copy of the command
        processor (normally COMMAND.COM) by using the EXEC function.  Your
        program may pass a DOS command as a parameter that the secondary
        command processor will execute as though it had been entered from the
        standard input device.
        The procedure is:
         A. Assure that adequate free memory (17k for 2.x and 3.0, 23k for 3.1
            up) exists to contain the second copy of the command processor and
            the command it is to execute. This is accomplished by executing
            function call 4Ah to shrink memory allocated to that of your current
            requirements. Next, execute function call 48h with BX=0FFFFh. This
            returns the amount of memory availible.
        B. Build a parameter string for the secondary command processor in the
           form:
                         1 byte   length of parameter string
                        xx bytes  parameter string
                         1 byte   0Dh (carriage return)
           For example, the assembly language statement below would build the
           string to cause execution of the command FOO.EXE:
                              DB 19,"/C C:FOO",13
        C. Use the EXEC function call (4Bh), function value 0 to cause execution
           of the secondary copy of the command processor. (The drive,
           directory, and name of the command processor can be gotten from the
           COMSPEC variable in the DOS environment passed to you at PSP+2Ch.)
        D. Remember to set offset 2 of the EXEC control block to point to the
           string built above.
     3) All open files of a process are duplicated in the newly created
        process after an EXEC, except for files originally opened with the
        inheritance bit set to 1.
     4) The environment is a copy of the original command processor's
        environment. Changes to the EXECed environment are not passed back to
        the original. The environment is followed by a copy of the DS:DX
        filename passed to the child process. A zero value will cause the
        child process to inherit the environment of the calling process. The
        segment address of the environment is placed at offset 2Ch of the
        PSP of the program being invoked.
     5) This function uses the same resident part of COMMAND.COM, but makes a
        duplicate of the transient part.
     6) How EXEC knows where to return to: Basically the vector for int 22h
        holds the terminate address for the current process. When a process
        gets started, the previous contents of int 22h get tucked away in the
        PSP for that process, then int 22h gets modified. So if Process A
        EXECs process B, while Process B is running, the vector for int 22h
        holds the address to return to in Process A, while the save location in
        Process B's PSP holds the address that process A will return to when
        *it* terminates. When Process B terminates by one of the usual legal
        means, the contents of int 22h are (surmising) shoved onto the stack,
        the old terminate vector contents are copied back to int 22h vector from
        Process B's PSP, then a RETF or equivalent is executed to return control
        to process A.
     7) To load an overlay file with 4B: first, don't de-allocate the memory
        that the overlay will load into. With the other 4Bh functions, the
        opposite is true--you have to free the memory first, with function 4Ah.
        Second, the "segment address where the file will be loaded" (first item
        in the parameter block for sub-function 03) should be a paragraph
        boundary within your currently-allocated memory. Third, if the
        procedures within the overlay are FAR procs (while they execute, CS will
        be equal to the segment address of the overlay area), the relocation
        factor should be set to zero. On the other hand, if the CS register
        will be different from the overlay area's segment address, the
        relocation factor should be set to represent the difference. You
        determine where in memory the overlay file will load by using the
        segment address mentioned above. Overlay files are .EXEs (containing
        header, relocation table, and memory image).
     8) When function 00h returns, all registers are changed, including the
        stack. You must resore SS, SP, and any other required registers.


Function  4Ch   Terminate a Process (EXIT)
                Quit with ERRORLEVEL exit code
entry   AH      4Ch
        AL      exit code in AL when called, if any, is passed to next process
return  none
note 1) Control passes to DOS or calling program
     2) return code from AL can be retrieved by ERRORLEVEL or function 4Dh
     3) all files opened by this process are closed, buffers are flushed, and
        the disk directory is updated
     4) Restores Terminate vector from PSP:000Ah
                 Ctrl-C vector from PSP:000Eh
                 Critical Error vector from PSP:0012h


Function  4Dh   Get Return Code of a Subprocess (WAIT)
                Gets return code from functions 31h and 4Dh  (ERRORLEVEL)
entry   AH      4Dh
return  AL      exit code of subprogram (functions 31h or 4Ch)
        AH      circumstance which caused termination
                00h     normal termination
                01h     control-break
                02h     critical device error
                03h     terminate and stay resident (function 31h)
note    The exit code is only returned once


Function  4Eh   Find First Matching File (FIND FIRST)
entry   AH      4Eh
        CX      search attributes
        DS:DX   pointer to ASCIIZ filename (with attributes)
return  CF      set     AX      error code (2, 12h)
                clear   data block written at current DTA
                        format of block is:  (info from BIX)
  documented by Micro-  |00h   1 byte   attribute byte of search
  soft as "reserved for |01h   1 byte   drive letter for search
  DOS' use on subsquent |02h   11 bytes the search name used
  Find Next calls"      |0Ch   2 bytes  word value of last entry
  function 4Fh          |0Fh   4 bytes  dword pointer to this DTA
                        |13h   2 bytes  word directory start
                        | PC-DOS 3.10 (from INTERRUP.ARC)
                        |00h   1 byte   drive letter
                        |01h-0Bh    bytes  search template
                        |0Ch   1 byte   search attributes
                        | DOS 2.x (and DOS 3.x except 3.1?) (from INTERRUP.ARC)
                        |00h   1 byte   search attributes
                        |01h   1 byte   drive letter
                        |02h-0Ch bytes  search template
                        |0Dh-0Eh 2 bytes entry count within directory
                        |0Fh-12h   bytes reserved
                        |13h-14h 2 bytes cluster number of parent directory

                         15h   1 byte   file attribute
                         16h   2 bytes  file time
                         18h   2 bytes  file date
                         1Ah   2 bytes  low word of file size
                         1Ch   2 bytes  high word of file size
                         1Eh  13 bytes  name and extension of file found, plus
                                        1 byte of 0s. All blanks are removed
                                        from the name and extension, and if an
                                        extension is present it is preceded by a
                                        period.
note 1) Will not find volume label
     2) This function does not support network operations
     3) Wildcards are allowed in the filespec
     4) If the attribute is zero, only ordinary files are found. If the volume
        label bit is set, only volume labels will be found. Any other attribute
        will return that attribute and all normal files together.
     5) To look for everything except the volume label, set the hidden, system,
        and subdirectory bits all to 1


Function  4Fh   Find Next Matching File (FIND NEXT)
                Find next ASCIIZ file
entry   AH      4Fh
return  CF      clear   data block written at current DTA
                set     AX      error code (2, 12h)
note 1) If file found, DTA is formatted as in call 4Eh
     2) Volume label searches using 4Eh/4Fh reportedly aren't 100% reliable
        under DOS 2.x. The calls sometime report there's a volume label and
        point to a garbage DTA, and if the volume label is the only item they
        often won't find it
     3) This function does not support network operations
     4) Use of this call assumes that the original filespec contained wildcards


Function  50h   "Used Internally by DOS" - Set PSP
 *              Set new Program Segment Prefix (current Process ID)
entry   AH      50h
        BX      segment address of new PSP
return  none - swaps PSP's regarded as current by DOS
note 1) By putting the PSP segment value into BX and issuing call 50h DOS stores
        that value into a variable and uses that value whenever a file call is
        made.
     2) Note that in the PSP (or PDB) is a table of 20 (decimal) open file
        handles. The table starts at offset 18h into the PSP. If there is an
        0FFh in a byte then that handle is not in use. A number in one of the
        bytes is an index into an internal FB table for that handle. For
        instance the byte at offset 18h is for handle 0, at offset 19h handle
        1, etc. up to 13h. If the high bit is set then the file associated by
        the handle is not shared by child processes EXEC'd with call 4Bh.
     3) Function 50h is dangerous in background operations prior to DOS 3.x as
        it uses the wrong stack for saving registers.  (same as functions
        0..0Ch in DOS 2.x)
     4) Under DOS 2.x, this function cannot be invoked inside an int 28h handler
        without setting the Critical Error flag
     5) Open File information, etc. is stored in the PSP DOS views as current.
        If a program (eg. a resident program) creates a need for a second PSP,
        then the second PSP should be set as current to make sure DOS closes
        that as opposed to the first when the second application finishes.
     6) See PC Mag Vol.5, No 9, p.314 for discussion.
     7) Used by DOS 3.3 PRINT & DEBUG, DesQview 2.01, Windows 1.03, SYMDEB
        from MASM 4.0


Function  51h    "Used Internally by DOS" - Get Program Segment Prefix
 *               Returns the PSP address of currently executing program
entry   AH      51h
return  BX      address of currently executing program
                offset
                00h     program exit point
                02h     memory size in paragraphs
                04h     unused (0)
                05h     CP/M style entry point (far call to DOS)
                0Ah     terminate address (old int 22h)
                0Ch     terminate segment
                0Eh     break address (old int 23h)
                10h     break segment
                12h     error address (old int 24h)
                14h     error segment
                16h     parent PSP segment
                18h     DOS 2.0+ open files, 0FFh = unused
                2Ch     DOS 2.0+ environment segment
                2Eh     far ptr to process's SS:SP
                32h     DOS 3.x max open files
                34h     DOS 3.x openfile table address
                36h     DOS 3.x openfile table segment
                38h     unused by DOS versions <= 3.3
                50h     DOS function dispatcher (FAR routine)
                53h     unused
                55h     FCB #1 extension
                5Ch     FCB #1
                6Ch     FCB #2
                80h     command tail / default DTA buffer
note 1) Used in DOS 2.x, 3.x uses 62h
     2) Function 51h is dangerous in background operations prior to DOS 3.x as
        it uses the wrong stack for saving registers.  (same as functions
        0..0Ch in DOS 2.x)
     3) 50h and 51h might be used if you have more than one process in a PC.
        For instance if you have a resident program that needs to open a file
        you could first call 51h to save the current id and then call 50h to set
        the ID to your PSP.
     4) Under DOS 2.x, this function cannot be invoked inside an int 28h handler
        without setting the Critical Error flag
     5) Used by DOS 3.3 PRINT, DEBUG


Function  52h   "Used Internally by DOS" - IN-VARS
 *              Returns a pointer to a set of DOS data variables MCB chain,
                pointer to first device driver and a pointer to disk parameter
                blocks (first one)
entry   AH      52h
return  ES:BX   pointer to the DOS list of lists, for disk information. Does not
                access the disk, so information in tables might be incorrect if
                disk has been changed. Returns a pointer to the following array
                of longword pointers:
                Bytes   Value
                -2h,-1h segment of first memory control block
                00h-03h pointer to first DOS disk block (see function 36h)
                04h-07h Pointer to list of DOS file tables
                        dword   pointer to next file table
                        word    number of files in this table
                                35h bytes per file
                                00h-01h number of file handles referring to
                                        this file
                                02h-06h unknown
                                07h-0Ah pointer to device driver header if
                                        character device; pointer to DOS Device
                                        Control Block if block device (see
                                        fn 32h for format)
                                0Bh-1Fh unknown
                                20h-2Ah filename in FCB format (no path, no
                                        period, blank-padded)
                                2Bh-2Ch PSP segment of file's owner
                                2Dh-30h unknown -  0 always
                                31h-32h unknown
                                33h-34h unknown
                8h-0Bh  pointer to CLOCK$ device driver, whether installable or
                        resident
                0Ch-0Fh pointer to actual CON: device driver, whether
                        installable or resident
        (DOS 2.x)
                10      number of logical drives in system
                11-12   maximum bytes/block of any block device
                13-16   unknown
                17      beginning (not a pointer. The real beginning!) of NUL
                        device driver. This is the first device on DOS's linked
                        list of device drivers.
        (DOS 3.x)
                10h-11h maximum bytes/block of any block device (0200h)
                12h-15h pointer to first disk buffer
                16h-19h partially undefined: Pointer to array of drive info:
                        51h bytes per drive, starting with A: ...
                        00h-3Fh current path as ASCIIZ, starting with 'x:\'
                        40h-43h unknown    zeros always
                        44h     unknown    flags? Usually 40h, except for
                                entry after last valid entry = 00h
                        45h-48h pointer to DOS disk block for this drive
                        49h-4Ah unknown. Current track or block?
                                -1 if never accessed
                        4Bh-4Eh unknown  -1 always
                        4Fh-52h unknown   2 always
                1Ah-1Dh pointer to FCB table (if CONFIG.SYS contains FCBS=)
                1Eh-1Fh size of FCB table
                20h     number of block devices
                21h     value of LASTDRIVE command in CONFIG.SYS (default 5)
                22h     beginning (not a pointer. The real beginning!) of NUL
                        device driver. This is the first device on DOS's linked
                        list of device drivers.
note 1) This call is not supported in OS/2 1.0's DOS Compatibility Box
     2) Used by DOS 4.0 MEM.EXE, DOS 3.3 ASSIGN.COM, PRINT.COM, SUBST.EXE
     3) IMPORTANT:  The structure of this list changes with EVERY version of
        DOS.  It is only partially supported by DR-DOS, and isn't supported
        under PC-MOS, OS/2's DOS box, or Wendin-DOS.  Since the information
        changes so much, I feel it should be put in the "interesting, but
        not real useful" category.  If you depend on this stuff in production
        code, you're going to regret it.


Function  53h   "Used Internally by DOS" - Translate BPB
 *              Translates BPB (BIOS Parameter Block, see below) into a DOS Disk
                Block (see function call 32h).
entry   AH      53h
        DS:SI   pointer to BPB
        ES:BP   pointer to area for DOS Disk Block.
                Layout of Disk Block:
                bytes   value
                00h-01h bytes per sector, get from DDB bytes 02h-03h.
                02h     sectors per cluster, get from (DDB byte 4) + 1
                03h-04h reserved sectors, get from DDB bytes 06h-07h
                05h     number of FATs, get from DDB byte 08h
                06h-07h number of root dir entries, get from DDB bytes 09h-0Ah
                08h-09h total number of sectors, get from:
                        ((DDB bytes 0Dh-0Eh) - 1) * (sectors per cluster (BPB
                        byte 2)) + (DDB bytes 0Bh-0Ch)
                0Ah     media descriptor byte, get from DDB byte 16h
                0Bh-0Ch number of sectors per FAT, get from DDB byte 0Fh
return  unknown


Function  54h   Get Verify Setting
                Get verify flag status
entry   AH      54h
return  AL      00h if flag off
                01h if flag on
note    Flag can be set with function 2Eh


Function  55h   "Used Internally by DOS" - Create "Child" PSP
 *              Create PSP: similar to function 26h (which creates a new Program
                Segment Prefix at segment in DX) except creates a "child" PSP
                rather than copying the existing one.
entry   AH      55h
        DX      segment number at which to create new PSP.
return  unknown
note 1) This call is similar to call 26h which creates a PSP except that unlike
        call 26h the segment address of the parent process is obtained from the
        current process ID rather than from the CS value on the stack (from the
        INT 21h call). DX has the new PSP value and SI contains the value to be
        placed into PSP:2 (top of memory).
     2) Function 55 is merely a substitute for function 26h. It will copy the
        current PSP to the segment address DX with the addition that SI is
        assumed to hold the new memory top segment. This means that function
        26h sets SI to the segment found in the current PSP and then calls
        function 55h.


Function  56h   Rename a File
entry   AH      56h
        DS:DX   pointer to ASCIIZ old pathname
        ES:DI   pointer to ASCIIZ new pathname
return  CF      clear   successful rename
                set     AX      error code (2, 3, 5, 11h)
note 1) Works with files in same drive only
     2) Global characters not allowed in filename
     3) The name of a file is its full pathname. The file's full pathname can
        be changed, while leaving the actual FILENAME.EXT unchanged. Changing
        the pathname allows the file to be "moved" from subdirectory to
        subdirectory on a logical drive without actually copying the file.
     4) DOS 3.x allows renaming of directories


Function  57h  Get/Set a File's Date and Time
               Read or modify time and date stamp on a file's directory entry
entry   AH      57h
        AL      function code
                00h     Get Date and Time
                01h     Set Date and Time
                        CX      time to be set
                        DX      date to be set
                02h     unknown (DOS 4.0+)
                03h     unknown
                04h     unknown (DOS 4.0+)
        BX      file handle
return  CF      clear   CX      time of last write (if AL = 0)
                        DX      date of last write (if AL = 0)
                set     AX      error code (01h, 06h)
note 1) Date/time formats are:
        CX bits 0Bh-0Fh hours (0-23)    DX bits 09h-0Fh year (relative to 1980)
                05h-0Ah minutes (0-59)          05h-08h month (0-12)
                00h-04h #2 sec. incr. (0-29)    00h-04h day of the month (0-31)
     2) This call is explicitly supported in the OS/2 DOS Compatibility Box.


Function  58h   Get/Set Allocation Strategy   (DOS 3.0+)
entry   AH      58h
        AL      00h     Get Current Strategy (see 01h)
                        Used to obtain the current allocation strategy.
                        First Fit is the normal default.

                01h     Set New Current Strategy
                        BL      new strategy
                        00h     First Fit - chooses the lowest block in memory
                                which will fit (this is the default). (use
                                first memory block large enough)
                        01h     Best Fit - chooses the smallest block which
                                will fill the request.
                        02h     Last Fit - chooses the highest block which will
                                fit.
        (DOS 5.0)       40h     FIRST_FIT_HIGHONLY - search upper memory area
                                for the lowest available block
        (DOS 5.0)       41h     BEST_FIT_HIGHONLY -  search upper memory area
                                for the smallest block that fits the request
        (DOS 5.0)       42h     LAST_FIT_HIGHONLY -  search upper memory area
                                for the highest available block
        (DOS 5.0)       80h     FIRST_FIT_HIGH - search upper memory area for
                                the lowest available block. If no block found,
                                load in conventional memory
        (DOS 5.0)       81h     BEST_FIT_HIGH - seach the upper memory area
                                for the closest match to the requested size.
                                If not match is found, load in convenional
                                memory.
        (DOS 5.0)       82h     LAST_FIT_HIGH - search the upper memory area
                                for the available block at the highest address.
                                If no block is found, load in conventional
                                memory.
                02h     Get UMB link state
                        Indicates if high DOS memory arenas are currently part
                        of the conventional DOS memory arena.
                03h     Set UMB link state
                        BX      00h     Unlink High DOS memory blocks
                                01h     Link High DOS memory blocks
                        note:   Adds or removes high memory blocks from the DOS
                                arena. Returns an error if no high arenas exist.
return  CF      clear   successful
          (AL=00)       AX      strategy code (see 01h)  For DOS 5.0+,
          (AL=02)       AL      00h     if upper memory area is not linked
                                01h     if the upper memory area is linked
                set     error
                        AX      error code (01h)
          (AL=03)       AX      error code (01h, 07h)
note 1) A program that changes the allocation strategy or the high DOS link
        state should ALWAYS restore it to its original condition before
        exiting, or subsequent programs may fail.
     2) The set subfunction accepts any value in BL; 2 or greater means last
        fit. The get subfunction returns the last value set, so programs should
        check whether the value is greater than or equal to 2.
     3) For discussion of best fit vs. first fit allocation strategies, see
        Knuth, *Fundamental Algorithms.* Very briefly, Knuth finds that first
        fit methods are far superior to best fit, which increases both
        allocation overhead and memory fragmentation.  The "last" fit that DOS
        offers is nothing other than a first fit, starting the search at the
        other end of the chain (the algorithm still takes the first fitting
        block that is encountered in the search).


Function  59h   Get Extended Error Code (DOS 3.0+)
      The Get Extended Error function call (59h) is intended to provide a common
     set of error codes and to supply more extensive information about the error
     to the application. The information returned from function call 59h, in
     addition to the error code, is the error class, the locus, and the
     recommended action. The error class provides information about the error
     type (hardware, internal, system, etc.). The locus provides information
     about the area involved in the failure (serial device, block device,
     network, or memory). The recommended action provides a default action for
     programs that do not understand the specific error code.

       Newly written programs should use the extended error support both from
     interrupt 24h hard error handlers and after any int 21h function calls. FCB
     function calls report an error by returning 0FFh in AL. Handle function
     calls report an error by setting the carry flag and returning the error
     code in AX. Int 21h handle function calls for DOS 2.x continue to return
     error codes 0-18. Int 24h handle function calls continue to return error
     codes 0-12. But the application can obtain any of the error codes used in
     the extended error codes table by issuing function call 59h. Handle
     function calls for DOS 3.x can return any of the error codes. However, it
     is recommended that the function call be followed by function call 59h to
     obtain the error class, the locus, and the recommended action.

       The Get Extended Error function (59h) can always be called, regardless of
     whether the previous DOS call was old style (error code in AL) or new style
     (carry bit). It can also be used inside an int 24h handler.

      You can either check AL or the carry bit to see if there was no error,
     and call function 59h only if there was an error, or take the simple
     approach of always calling 59h and letting it tell you if there was an
     error or not. When you call function 59h it will return with AX=0 if the
     previous DOS call was successful.

      Various versions of IBM's DOS, MSDOS, OEM customized versions of MSDOS,
     Digital's DRDOS, and other DOS emulating environments sometimes return
     different error codes for the same function. Be careful if you are testing
     for one specific error condition.

entry   AH      59h
        BX      version code (0000 for DOS 3.0 and 3.1)
return  AX      extended error code:
                01h     Invalid function number                         2.0+
                02h     File not found                                  2.0+
                03h     Path not found                                  2.0+
                04h     Too many open files, no file handles left       2.0+
                05h     Access denied                                   2.0+
                06h     Invalid handle                                  2.0+
                07h     Memory control blocks destroyed                 2.0+
                08h     Insufficient memory                             2.0+
                09h     Invalid memory block address                    2.0+
                0Ah     Invalid environment                             2.0+
                0Bh     Invalid format                                  2.0+
                0Ch     Invalid access code                             2.0+
                0Dh     Invalid data                                    2.0+
                0Eh     Reserved                                        2.0+
                0Fh     Invalid drive was specified                     2.0+
                10h     Attempt to remove the current directory         2.0+
                11h     Not same device                                 2.0+
                12h     No more files                                   2.0+
                13h     Attempt to write on write-protected diskette    2.0+
                14h     Unknown unit                                    2.0+
                15h     Drive not ready                                 2.0+
                16h     Unknown command                                 2.0+
                17h     Bad CRC check                                   2.0+
                18h     Bad request structure length                    2.0+
                19h     Seek error                                      2.0+
                1Ah     Unknown media type                              2.0+
                1Bh     Sector not found                                2.0+
                1Ch     Printer out of paper                            2.0+
                1Dh     Write fault                                     2.0+
                1Eh     Read fault                                      2.0+
                1Fh     General failure                                 2.0+
                20h     Sharing violation                               3.0+
                21h     Lock violation                                  3.0+
                22h     Invalid disk change                             3.0+
                23h     FCB unavailable                                 3.0+
                24h     Sharing buffer overflow                         3.3+
                25h     Bad code page                                   4.0+
                26h     Handle EOF                                      4.0+
                27h     Handle disk full                                4.0+
                28h     Reserved
                29h        "
                2Ah        "
                2Bh        "
                2Ch        "
                2Dh        "
                2Eh        "
                2Fh        "
                30h        "
                31h     Reserved
                32h     Network: request not supported                  3.1+
                33h     Network: remote computer not listening          3.1+
                34h     Network: duplicate name on network              3.3+
                35h     Network: name not found                         3.3+
                36h     Network: busy                                   3.3+
                37h     Network: device no longer exists                3.3+
                38h     Network: NETBIOS command limit exceeded         3.3+
                39h     Network: adapter hardware error                 3.3+
                3Ah     Network: incorrect response from network        3.3+
                3Bh     Network: unexpected network error               3.3+
                3Ch     Network: incompatible remote adapter            3.3+
                3Dh     Network: print queue full                       3.3+
                3Eh     Network: not enough space for print file        3.3+
                3Fh     Network: print file was deleted                 3.3+
                40h     Network: name was deleted                       3.3+
                41h     Network: access denied                          3.3+
                42h     Network: device type incorrect                  3.3+
                43h     Network: name not found                         3.3+
                44h     Network: name limit exceeded                    3.3+
                45h     Network: NETBIOS session limit exceeded         3.3+
                46h     Network: sharing temporarily paused             3.3+
                47h     Network: request not accepted                   3.3+
                48h     Network: print or disk redirection paused       3.1+
                49h     Reserved
                4Ah        "
                4Bh        "
                4Ch        "
                4Dh        "
                4Eh        "
                4Fh     Reserved
                50h     File exists                                     3.3+
                51h     Reserved                                        3.3+
                52h     Cannot make directory entry                     4.0+
                53h     Fail on interrupt 24h                           3.3+
                54h     Network: too many redirections                  3.3+
                55h     Network: duplicate redirection                  3.3+
                56h     Invalid password                                3.3+
                57h     Invalid parameter                               3.3+
                58h     Network: data fault (write error)               3.3+
                59h     Reserved
                5Ah     Comp not loaded                                 5.0+
        BH      class of error:                          (DOS 5.0 name)
                01h     Out of resource                 ERRCLASS_OUTRES
                        (not enough disk space, etc)
                02h     Temporary situation             ERRCLASS_TEMPSIT
                        (not an error, but a temporary situation that is
                         expected to end, such as a locked region in a file)
                03h     Authorization                   ERRCLASS_AUTH
                        (denied access - sharing or network)
                04h     Internal                        ERRCLASS_INTRN
                        (DOS internal error)
                05h     Hardware failure                ERRCLASS_HRDFAIL
                        (bad floppy or HD controller, etc.)
                06h     System failure                  ERRCLASS_SYSFAIL
                        (error not due to executing program, such as
                         missing configuration or data files)
                07h     Application program error       ERRCLASS_APPERR
                        (executing program bombed)
                08h     Not found                       ERRCLASS_NOTFND
                        (file or device not found)
                09h     Bad format                      ERRCLASS_BADFMT
                        (file or item invalid format or type)
                0Ah     Locked                          ERRCLASS_LOCKED
                        (network or SHARE lock)
                0Bh     Media error                     ERRCLASS_MEDIA
                        (wrong volume ID, disk failure)
                0Ch     Already exists                  ERRCLASS_ALREADY
                        (file or device already exists)
                0Dh     Unknown                         ERRCLASS_UNK
                        (Smurfs infesting system board)
        BL      suggested action code:
                01h     Retry                           ERRACT_RETRY
                02h     Delayed retry                   ERRACT_DLYRET
                03h     Prompt user                     ERRACT_USER
                04h     Abort after cleanup             ERRACT_ABORT
                05h     Immediate abort                 ERRACT_PANIC
                06h     Ignore                          ERRACT_IGNORE
                07h     Retry after user intervention   ERRACT_INTRET
        CH      locus (where error occurred):
                01h     Unknown or not appropriate      ERRLOC_UNK
                02h     Block device                    ERRLOC_DISK
                03h     Network related                 ERRLOC_NET
                04h     Serial device                   ERRLOC_SERDEV
                05h     Memory related                  ERRLOC_MEM
note 1) Not all DOS functions use the carry flag to indicate an error. Carry
        should be tested only on those functions which are documented to use it.
     2) None of the DOS functions which existed before 2.0 use the carry
        indicator.  Many of them use register AL as an error indication instead,
        usually by putting 0FFh in AL on an error. Most, but not all, the "new"
        (2.x, 3.x) functions do use carry, and most, but not all, of the "old"
        (1.x) functions use AL.
     3) On return, CL, DI, DS, DX, ES, BP, and SI are destroyed - save before
        calling this function if required.
     4) DOS 2.x Error Codes:  If you are using function calls 38h-57h with DOS
        2.x, to check if an error has occurred, check for the following error
        codes in the AX register:
        call    error code      call    error code      call    error code
        38h     2               41h     2,3,5           4Ah     7,8,9
        39h     3,5             42h     1,6             4Bh     1,2,3,5,8,10,11
        3Ah     3,5,15          43h     1,2,3,5         4Eh     2,3,18
        3Bh     3               44h     1,3,5,6         4Fh     18
        3Ch     3,4,5           45h     4,6             56h     2,3,5,17
        3Dh     2,3,4,5,12      46h     4,6             57h     1,6
        3Eh     6               47h     15
        3Fh     5,6             48h     7,8
        40h     5,6             49h     7,9
     5) Note that extended error codes 13h through 1Fh correspond to error
        codes 00h through 0Ch returned by int 24h.
     6) This call is explicitly supported in the OS/2 DOS Compatibility Box.


Function  5Ah   Create Temporary File
                Create unique filename (for temporary use) (DOS 3.0+)
entry   AH      5Ah
        DS:DX   pointer to buffer containing an ASCIIZ directory pathname
                ending with a backslash (\). The buffer must have at least 13
                bytes free following the backslash, as the file name and
                extension will be written there.
        CX      file attribute (00h, 01h, 02h, 04h, 20h only)
return  CF      clear   AX      handle
                        DS:DX   new ASCIIZ pathname
                set     AX      error code (03h, 04h, 05h)
note 1) The file created is not truly "temporary". It must be removed by the
        user.
     2) If the filename created already exists in the current directory, this
        function will call itself again with another unique filename until
        a unique filename is found.
     3) The temporary filename usually consists of mixed letters and numbers.
        No file extension appears to be generated.
     4) DOS 3.0-4.01 used mixed letters and numbers.  MS DOS 5.0 appears to use
        letters only.  DR DOS 5.0 appears to use numbers only.
     5) Under DOS 3.1+ networks, DOS opens the file in compatibility mode.
     6) This call is explicitly supported in the OS/2 DOS Compatibility Box.
     7) For PC-MOS/386 native mode, use DS:EDX instead of DS:DX.


Function  5Bh   Create a New File   (DOS 3.0+)
entry   AH      5Bh
        DS:DX   segment/offset pointer to an ASCIIZ pathname
        CX      file attribute (00h, 01h, 02h, 04h, 20h only)
return  CF      clear   AX      file handle
                        DS:DX   new ASCIIZ pathname
                set     AX      error code (03h, 04h, 05h, 50h)
note 1) Unlike function 3Ch, function 5Bh will fail if the file already exists.
        This is useful on networks, since another application might create a
        file of the same name with 3Ch first, causing the first 3Ch to fail.
        Use of this call instead of 3Ch is good practice for code that will not
        need to run under DOS 2.x.
     2) Under DOS 3.1+ networks, DOS opens the file in read/write mode. This
        call will fail if the user does not have Create access.
     3) This call is explicitly supported in the OS/2 DOS Compatibility Box.
     4) The MSDOS Encyclopedia suggests this call may be used to implement
        semaphores in LANs or multitasking environments.  A zero-byte marker
        file could be created to indicate semaphore set.
     5) For PC-MOS/386 native mode, use DS:EDX instead of DS:DX.


Function  5Ch   Lock/Unlock File Access   (DOS 3.0+)
entry   AH      5Ch
        AL      00h     to lock file region
                01h     to unlock file region
        BX      file handle
        CX:DX   4-byte starting offset from beginning of file of region to lock
        SI:DI   4-byte integer, high/low size of region to lock (in bytes)
return  CF      clear   successful
                set     AX      error code (01h, 06h, 21h, 24h)
note 1) Unlock all files before exiting or undefined results may occur.
        Programs using file locking should trap int 23h (Control-C Handler
        Address) and int 24h (Critical Error Handler Address) and unlock files
        before returning to the caller.
     2) Programs spawned with EXEC inherit all the parent's file handles but
        not the file locks.
     3) This call is explicitly supported in the OS/2 DOS Compatibility Box.
     4) You may lock an entire file, any part of a file, or several parts of
        the same file. For example, it would be more efficient to lock an
        area in a database containing a single record than to lock the entire
        file. If two adjacent sections of a file are locked separately, they
        must be unlocked separately - you cannot change the lock pointers and
        use a single unlock call.
     5) You should lock only as much of a file as you need and keep the lock
        only for as long as necessary. Should a file need to be shared and
        updated often, continual locking and unlocking can slow file access
        detectably.
     6) This call returns error 01h if SHARE is not loaded.
     7) Locked files must be unlocked before the program terminates, or
        the result is undefined.
     8) A transaction-oriented algorithm for using locking is recommended.
        In effect, assert lock, read data, change data, remove lock.  An
        application should release its lock when a transaction is complete.
     9) Locking past end-of-file does not cause an error.
    10) Locking a portion of a file with fn 5Ch denies all other processes
        both read and write access to the locked region.
    11) For PC-MOS/386 native mode, use ECX and EDX instead of CX:DX.


Function  5Dh   Multifunction, DOS  Internal - partial (DOS 3.x+)
entry   AH      5Dh
        AL      subfunction
                00h     Indirect Function Call
                        DS:DX   pointer to buffer containing register values
                                AX, BX, CX, DX, SI, DI, DS, ES for a call to
                                int 21h
                        return  as appropriate for function being called
                        note    Does not check AH. Out of range values will
                                crash the system.
                01h     SYNC?  (DOS 3.1+)
                        parameters unknown
                        note 1) Does something to each disk file in the system.
                                File Table which has been written to.
                             2) If remote file, calls int 2Fh/fn1107h.
                             3) Seems to update the time stamp of all open
                                files which have been written to.
                02h     SHARE.EXE? (DOS 3.1+)
                        note    Error unless SHARE is loaded (calls fn 52h+4Ah)
                03h     SHARE.EXE? (DOS 3.1+)
                        note    Error unless SHARE is loaded (calls fn 52h+4Ah)
                04h     SHARE.EXE functions? (DOS 3.1+)
                        note    Error unless SHARE is loaded (calls fn 52h+4Ah)
                05h     Network functions? (DOS 3.1+)
                        DS:DX   pointer to buffer (see AX=0Ah), only fields at
                                offset 12h, 14h used
                        note    Error unless SHARE is loaded (calls fn 52h+5Ah)
                06h     Get Address of Critical Error Flag
                        DS:DX   pointer to buffer (see 0Ah), only fields at
                                offset 12h, 14h used
                        return  CX      unknown value
                                DX      unknown value
                                DS:SI   pointer to critical error flag
                        notes   This call does a lot of other work in addition
                                to returning the pointer setting CritErr flag
                                allows use of functions 50h/51h from int 28h
                                under DOS 2.x by forcing use of correct stack.
    (LANtastic) 07h     Return redirected printer mode
                        return  DL      00      output is being combined
                                        01h     output is being separated
                        note    The current printer mode (either printer output
                                combined or separated) is returned.
    (LANtastic) 08h     Set redirected printer mode (either printer output
                        DL      00h     set redirected output to be combined
                                01h     set redirected output to be separated.
                                        (implicitly starts a new print job)
                        return  none
                        note 1) The current printer mode (either printer output
                                combined or separated) can be set.
                             2) may be used by COMMAND.COM
    (LANtastic) 09h     Flush printer output
                        return  none
                        note 1) Printer output is flushed and a new print job
                                is started. If no output exists to be flush
                                then this function has no effect.
                             2) may be used by COMMAND.COM
                09h     unknown - may be used by COMMAND.COM
(DOS 5, doc'd)  0Ah     Set Extended Error Information
                        DS:DX   address of 11-word error information table
                                format of error information table:
                                offset  size    description
                                00h    word    value that next call to fn 59h
                                               will return in AX
                                02h    word    value that next call to fn 59h
                                               will return in BX
                                04h    word    CX
                                06h    word    DX
                                08h    word    SI
                                0Ah    word    DI
                                0Ch    word    DS
                                0Eh    word    ES
                                10h    word    reserved (set to 0)
                                12h    word    user (computer) ID, 0=local
                                14h    word    program ID, 0=local program
                return  none
return   DS:SI   (for 06h) pointer to critical error flag
note 1) Function 0Ah; DOS 3.1+.
     2) Function 06h; setting CritErr flag allows use of functions 50h/51h from
        int 28h under DOS 2.x by forcing the use of the correct stack.
     3) Functions 07h, 08h, 09h are identical in DOS 3.1 and call int 2Fh
        fn1125h.


Function  5Eh   Network Printer
                DOS 3.1+ with Networks software
                PC-MOS/386 through 4.1 has limited support for functions
                5Eh through 5F04h.  The MOS NETBIOS driver must be loaded.
                A device name is returned for 5E00h and an "end of list"
                status is returned for other functions.
entry   AH      5Eh
        AL      00h     Get Machine Name
                        DS:DX   pointer to 16-byte buffer for ASCIIZ name
                        return  CH      00h     if name not defined
                                        <>0     name is defined
                                CL      00h     name not set
                                        <>0     NetBIOS name number
                                DS:DX   pointer to ASCIIZ name if CH <>0
                                CF      set on error
                                        AX      error code (01h)
                        note 1) The ASCIIZ name is a 15 byte string padded
                                to length with zeroes.
                             2) The NETBIOS number in CL and name at DS:DX are
                                valid only if the value returned in CH is <>0.
                01h     Set Machine Name
                        CH      00h     undefine name
                                <>0     define name
                        CL      name number
                        DS:DX   pointer to ASCIIZ name
                02h     Set Printer Control String
                        BX      redirection list index
                        CX      length of setup string (max 64 bytes)
                        DS:SI   pointer to ASCIIZ setup string buffer
                        return: CF      set on error
                                        AX      error code (01h)
                        note 1) Set printer setup sets a setup string to be
                                sent to the network printer whenever a file is
                                queued to the printer.
                             2) LANtastic LANOS does not process this request
                                since printer setup strings are controlled by
                                the system administer using the NET_MGR
                                program. The system call does not return an
                                error, however.
                03h     Get Printer Control String
                        BX      redirection list index
                        ES:DI   pointer to 64-byte string buffer
                        return  CX      length of setup string (max 64 bytes)
                        return: CF      set on error
                                        AX      error code (01h)
                        note 1) This call will return the setup string set with
                                fn 02h above.
                             2) LANtastic LANOS does not process this request
                                since printer setup strings are controlled by
                                the system administer using the NET_MGR program.
                                The system call does not return an error,
                                however, and the length of the setup string
                                (CX) is 0.
                04h     DOS 3.1+ +Microsoft Networks - unknown
                        note    Calls int 2F/AX=111Fh with 5E04h on stack.
                05h     DOS 3.1+ +Microsoft Networks - unknown
                        note    Calls int 2F/AX=111Fh with 5E05h on stack.
                06h     DOS 3.1+ +Microsoft Networks - unknown
                        note    Calls int 2F/AX=111Fh with 5E06h on stack.
return  CF      clear   successful
                set     error
                        AX      error code (01h for all listed subfunctions)
note 1) Used in IBM's & Microsoft's Network programs.
     2) Partial documentation in Fall 1985 Byte, in Advanced MS-DOS, in MS-DOS
        Encyclopedia, LANtastic Programmer's Manual.
     3) These services require that the network software be installed.
     4) SHARE must be loaded or results can be unpredictable on 00h, or fail
        with 02h or 03h.
     5) The redirection entry index is an index into a table that identifies
        the printer as a device on the network.


Function  5Fh   Network Redirection
                (DOS 3.1+ and Microsoft Networks)
entry   AH      5Fh
        AL     *00h     Unknown
               *01h     Unknown
                02h     Get Redirection List Entry
                        BX      redirection entry index. Index 0 specifies the
                                first entry
                        DS:SI   pointer to 16 byte area which will receive the
                                ASCIIZ local device name
                        ES:DI   pointer to 128 byte buffer for the ASCIIZ
                                network device name
                        return  CF      set on error
                                        AX      error code (01h, 12h)
                                BH      device status flag (bit 0=0 if valid)
                                                           (bit 0=1 if invalid)
                                                           (bits 1-7 reserved)
                                BL      device type
                                        03      printer device
                                        04      drive device (file)
                                CX      value stored by fn 03h call. Should be
                                        0 for compatiblity with LANOS
                                DS:SI   pointer to 16 byte ASCIIZ local device
                                        name
                                ES:DI   pointer to 128 byte ASCIIZ network name
                        note 1) DX and BP are destroyed by this call.
                             2) This call returns information about a single
                                redirected device (see fn 03h). This fn may be
                                used to scan the list of redirected devices.
                03h     Redirect Device - Make Assign List Entry
                        Redirects a workstation drive or device to a server
                        directory or device.
                        AX      error code if error
                        BL      device type
                                03h     printer device
                                04h     file device
                        CX      stored parameter value (0 for compatibility
                                with IBM PC Network program and LANtastic)
                        DS:SI   pointer to 16-byte ASCIIZ source device name
                                for printer specify: PRN, LPT1, LPT2, LPT3
                        ES:DI   pointer to destination 128-byte ASCIIZ network
                                path and ASCIIZ password
                                (e.g.,'\\machine_name\path',0,'password',0)
                        return  CF      set on error
                                        AX      error code (01h, 03h, 05h, 08h,
                                                            0Fh, 12h)
                        note 1) Redirect device allows you to connect local
                                devices to network paths. For example you can
                                connect your LPT1 to a printer on another node.
                                References to LPT1 are routed to the network.
                             2) If the password is omitted, the pathname must
                                be followed by two null bytes.
                             3) For printer redirection, MS-Net intercepts int
                                17h. When redirection is canceled, all printing
                                is sent to the first local printer. (LPT1)
                04h     Cancel Redirection Assignment
                        DS:SI   pointer to ASCIIZ device name or network path
                                to be canceled
                        return  CF      set on error
                                        AX      error code (01h, 03h, 05h, 08h,
                                                            0Fh, 12h)
                        note 1) Cancel device redirection allows you to remove
                                a device redirection so that the device is
                                restored to its former state.
return  CF      clear   successful
                set     if error
                        AX      error code
                                (fn 02h) 01h, 12h
                                (fn 03h) 01h, 03h, 05h, 08h
                                (fn 04h) 01h, 0Fh
note 1) Used in IBM's Network program and Microsoft MS-Networks.
     2) Partial documentation in Fall 1985 Byte, in Advanced MS-DOS, in MS-DOS
        Encyclopedia, LANtastic Programmer's Manual.
     3) These services require that the network software be installed.
     4) SHARE must be loaded or the call will fail.
     5) The network device name requires a password.
     6) Only printer and disk devices are supported for redirection. STDAUX,
        STDIN, STDOUT, and STERR are not supported by the Microsoft/IBM
        specification.  Other companies have managed to do this with various
        nonstandard additions to the API.


Function  60h   Parse pathname  (TRUENAME)     (DOS 3.0+)
 *              Perform name processing on a string (internal to DOS)
entry   AH      60h
        DS:SI   pointer to ASCIIZ source string (null terminated)
        ES:DI   pointer to destination 80 byte ASCIIZ string buffer
return  ES:DI   buffer filled with qualified name in form (drive):(path)
        CF      set     error
                        AX      error code (02h, 03h)
                clear   no error
note 1) Documented in Zenith 3.05 Technical Reference.
     2) All name processing is performed on the input string: string
        substitution is performed on the components, current drive/directories
        are prepended, .  and ..  are removed. Under most networking software,
        the drive letter is replaced with the node name, i.e. returns pathname
        like \\utils\test.txt instead of F:\utils\test.txt
     3) Example: If current drive/directory is c:\test,  myfile.x is translated
        to c:\test\myfile.x; ..\source\sample.asm is tranlated to c:\source\
        sample.asm.
     4) It is the caller's responsibility to make sure DS:SI does not point to
        a null string. If it does, SI is incremented, a null byte is stored at
        ES:DI, and the routine returns.
     5) Used by CHKDSK, at least in DOS 3.3, and DOS 3.x.
     6) If path string is on a JOINed drive, the returned name is the one that
        would be needed if the drive were not JOINed; similarly for a SUBSTed
        drive letter. Because of this, it is possible to get a qualified name
        that is not legal with the current combination of SUBSTs and JOINs.
     7) Used by DOS 4.0 SHELLC.EXE.
     8) This call has been discovered in DOS versions as early as 2.11.
     9) In Novell Netware 2.1x, this call is not supported when the 8th bit
        (high ASCII) is set on any letter in the file or pathname, and when
        the file being inquired about is on a remote drive. This causes
        problems with machines using foreign code pages.
    10) You need DPMI services to use this call under MS Windows 3.x.  There
        is an example in PC Magazine, 25 June 1991, p. 389 called TRUENAME.C.


Function  61h   undocumented - (DOS 3.0)
 *              Internal to DOS - parameters not known
entry   AH      61h
return  AL      00h
note    Supposedly documented in Zenith DOS 3.05 Technical Reference.


Function  62h   Get Program Segment Prefix (PSP) (DOS 3.0+)
entry   AH      62h
return  BX      segment address of PSP
note    Under DOS 3.x+, this function does not use any of DOS' internal stacks
        and is thus fully reentrant.


Function  63h   Get Lead Byte Table  (MS-DOS 2.25 only)
                Added in DOS 2.25 for additional foreign character set support.
entry   AH      63h
        AL      subfunction
                00h     get system lead byte table address
                01h     set/clear interim console flag
                        DL      0000h   to clear interim console flag
                                0001h   to set interim console flag
                02h     get interim console flag
return  DS:SI   pointer to lead byte table (AL = 00h)
        DL      interim console flag (AL = 02h)
note 1) Function 63h destroys all registers except SS:SP on return. To avoid
        saving registers repeatedly, a process can copy the table or save the
        pointer for later use.
     2) Works ONLY in MS-DOS 2.25!
     3) Note fn 63h does not return errors in AL or CF.
     4) Original support was for Kanji (Japanese) and Hanegul (Korean) only.
     5) The lead byte table contains pairs of bytes that represent the
        inclusive boundary values for the lead bytes of the specified
        alphabet.  Because of the way bytes are ordered by the 8086 micro-
        processor family, the values must be read as byte values, not as word
        values.
     6) If the interim console flag is set (DL=0001h) by a program through a
        call to fn 63h, the following int 21h functions return interim character
        information on request: 07h, 08h, 0Bh, 0Ch.


Function  64h   Undocumented - Used internally by DOS
entry   AH      64h
return  unknown
note 1) DOS 3.2+ internal function of some type? May be a network function.
     2) In DOS 3.31 it seems that when you load AL with a nonzero number,
        int 28h will get called more often. AL=0 resets back to the "boot up"
        state.


Function  65h   Get Extended Country Information (DOS 3.3+)
                Returns information about the selected country formats, code
                pages, and conversion tables
entry   AH      65h
        AL      information ID code
                01h     get general internationalization info
                02h     get pointer to uppercase table (130 bytes max)
                        (maps chars 80h-0FFh to their uppercase equivalents,
                         if any; used mainly to map accented or other vowels
                         to the corresponding plain vowels)
                03h     unknown
                04h     get pointer to filename uppercase table (130 bytes max)
                        (similar to table for AL = 02h)
   (DOS 5.0+)   05h     get filename character table - specifies which chars
                        must not be used in filenames.
                06h     get pointer to collating sequence table (258 bytes max)
                        (maps uppercase, lower, and accented chars together
                         for sorting)
                07h     get pointer to double-byte character set table
   (DOS 5.0+)   20h     convert character - converts character in DL to
                        uppercase using the current uppercase table
   (DOS 5.0+)   21h     convert string - converts string in DS:DX, length CX
                        to uppercase using current uppercase table, returns in
                        DS:DX
   (DOS 5.0+)   22h     convert ASCIIZ string - converts string in DS:DX
                        to uppercase using current uppercase table, returns
                        in DS:DX

        BX      code page (0FFFFh = current code page)
        CX      amount of information to be returned (minimum 5)
        DX      target country ID (0FFFFh = default current country)
        ES:DI   segment/offset pointer to country information buffer
return  CF      set on error
                AX      error code (02h)
                        otherwise:
        CX      size of country information returned
        ES:DI   pointer to country information:
              offset   length   description
                00h   1 byte    info ID  (for all following buffers)
        If information ID code <> 1:
                01h     dword  pointer to information
        If information ID code = 1:
                01h     word    length of remainder of buffer (<= 38)
                03h     word    country ID
                05h     word    code page number
                07h  34 bytes   same as for int 21h function 38h
        If information ID code = 2:
                01h     word    table size
                05h     dword   pointer to uppercase table
            128 bytes uppercase equivalents (if any) of chars 80h-0FFh
        If information ID code = 4:
                01h     word    table size
                05h     dword   pointer to collating table
            256 bytes   values used to sort characters 00h-0FFh
        If information ID code = 6:
                01h     word    table size
                05h     dword   pointer to filename uppercase table. This
                                table starts with a 2-byte length field, then
                                256 ASCII values placed in order
            128 bytes   uppercase equivalents (if any) of chars 80h-0FFh
        If information ID code = 7: (DOS 4.0)
                unknown
note 1) For AL=02h, 04h, or 06h, the first two bytes of the table give its
        length and then a 128 byte table of uppercase ASCII characters for
        02h or 04h and a pointer to the collating sequence for 06h.
     2) The country code and code page must match. If not, error 02h is in AX.
     3) If more information is provided than was requested by CX, it is
        truncated without generating an error.
     4) Country information:
        bytes   description
        01h     value of AL (01h)
        02h,03h size (max = 38)
        04h,05h country code
        06h,07h code page
        08h,09h date format
        0Ah,0Eh currency symbol
        0Fh,10h thousands separator
        11h,12h decimal separator
        13h,14h date separator
        15h,16h time separator
        17h     currency format flags
        18h     digits in currency
        19h     time format
        20h-22h monocase routine entry point
        23h-24h data list separator
        25h-29h zeros


Function  66h   Get/Set Global Code Page Table (DOS 3.3+)
                Query/reset code page defaults
entry   AH      66h
        AL      00h     Get Global Code Page
                01h     Set Global Page
                        BX      active code page
                        DX      system code page (active page at boot time)
return  CF      clear  successful
                set    AX       error code (unknown)
        if 00h         BX       active code page
                       DX       system code page (active page at boot time)
note 1) BX = active code page: 437 = US, 860 = Portugal, 863 = Canada (French)
                               865 = Norway/Denmark, 850 = multilingual
     2) MS 5.0 TR shows fns as 01h and 02h.


Function  67h   Set Handle Count  (DOS 3.3+)
                Supports more than 20 open files per process
entry   AH      67h
        BX      desired number of handles (20 to 65,535)
return  CF      clear   if OK
                set     if error
                AX      error code (unknown)
note 1) This function changes the 20-byte handle table pointer in the PSP to
        point to a new, larger handle table elsewhere in memory.
     2) The memory the 67h call allocates is taken from the normal DOS pool,
        and is reclaimed on process termination, so nothing is lost.
     3) When calling this function you must release enough memory for DOS to
        contain the extended handle list.
     4) If the requested number of handles is less than 20 nothing is done.
     5) Early versions of PC-MOS/386 v4.1 did not properly deallocate memory
        when the number of handles was reduced.
     6) The error value returned in AX is not documented in the IBM 4.0 DOS
        Technical Reference, the MSDOS Encyclopedia or the MS 5.0 TR.
     7) For PC-MOS/386 4.x, the only error code is 08h (insufficient memory).


Function  68h   Commit File (DOS 3.3+)
                Write all buffered data to disk
entry   AH      68h
        BX      file handle of previously opened file
return  CF      clear   successful
                set     on error
                        AX      error code (unknown)
note 1) Faster and more secure method of closing a file in a network than
        current close commands.
     2) This is effectively the same as DUPing the handle for a file and then
        closing the new one, except that this call won't fail if the system
        is out of handles.
     3) The file's buffers are flushed and its directory and FAT entries are
        updated.
     4) The error value returned in AX is not documented in the IBM 4.0 DOS
        Technical Reference, the MSDOS Encyclopedia or the MS 5.0 TR.
     5) For PC-MOS/386 4.x, the error codes are 06h (invalid handle) and
        22h (wrong disk).


Function  69h   Disk Serial Number  DOS 4.0+ (US versions)
                Handles "Volume Serial Number" on disks formatted with 4.0+
entry   AH      69h     Get Volume Serial Number
        AL      00h     get serial number
                01h     set serial number
        BL      drive (0=default, 1=A, etc)
        DS:DX   pointer to disk information table
return  CF      set     on error
                AX      error code
                clear   if successful
                AH      destroyed
                AL      (fn 00h) buffer filled with appropriate values from
                                 extended BPB
                        (fn 01h) extended BPB on disk set to values from buffer
        DS:DX   disk information table. Format:
                offset  size    description
                00h     word    unknown (zeroes on my system)
                02h    dword    disk serial number (binary)
                06h 11 bytes    volume label or "NO NAME    " if none
                11h  8 bytes    FAT type - string "FAT12   " or "FAT16   "
note 1) The FAT type field refers to the number of bits per directory entry.
     2) Does not generate a critical error; all errors are returned in AX.
     3) Error 0005h given if no extended BPB on disk.
     4) Does not work on network drives (error 0001h).
     5) Buffer after first two bytes is exact copy of bytes 27h thru 3Dh of
        extended BPB on disk.


Function  6Ah   Unknown  (DOS 4.0?)


Function  6Bh   Unknown  (DOS 4.0?)


Function  6Ch   Extended Open/Create  DOS 4.0+ (US)
                Combines functions available with Open, Create, Create New,
                and Commit File
entry   AH      6Ch
        AL      00h  reserved  [which means there might be other subfunctions?]
        BX      mode    format  0WF0 0000 ISSS 0AAA
                                AAA is access code (read, write, read/write)
                                SSS is sharing mode
                                I       0       pass handle to child
                                        1       no inherit [interesting!]
                                F       0       use int 24h for errors
                                        1       disable int 24h for all
                                                I/O on this handle; use own
                                                error routine
                                W       0       no commit
                                        1       auto commit on all writes
        CX      create attribute
           bits 0       read only
                1       hidden
                2       system
                3       volume label
                4       reserved
                5       archive
                6-15    reserved
        DH      00h (reserved)
        DL      action if file exists/does not exists
           bits 0-3     action if file exists
                        0000    fail
                        0001    open
                        0010    replace/open
                4-7     action if file does not exist
                        0000    fail
                        0001    create
        DS:SI   pointer to ASCIIZ file name
return  CF      set on error
                AX      error code (unknown)
                clear
                AX      file handle
                CX      action taken
                        01h     file opened
                        02h     file created/opened
                        03h     file replaced/opened
note    When APPEND is installed, if DX=xx1x it looks only in current
        directory, if DX=xx0x it will search the full append path. DX is
        called the open flag and gives what action to take if the file exits or
        does not exist.


Function  89h   undocumented - DOS_Sleep
 *              Not documented by Microsoft
entry   AH      89h
return  unknown
note 1) Function included in Microsoft C 4.0 startup code MSDOS.INC.
     2) Debugging shows that the first instruction on entry to DOS compares AH
        with 64h (at least in DOS 3.2) and aborts the call if AH > 64.
     3) Possibly used in European MSDOS 4.0?



       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams
                        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                        │ Shareware Version, 03/16/92 │
                        │  Please Register Your Copy  │
                        └─────────────────────────────┘


                            C H A P T E R   F I V E

                          Interrupts 22h Through 86h

note: the registered version of this chapter is more than twice this size.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 22h   Terminate Address ..................................... 5**1 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0088h)
 This interrupt transfers control to the far (dword) address at this interrupt
location when an application program terminates. The default address for this
interrupt is 0:0088h through 0:008Bh. This address is copied into the program's
Program Segment Prefix at bytes 0Ah through 0Dh at the time the segment is
created and is restored from the PSP when the program terminates. The calling
program is normally COMMAND.COM or an application. Do not issue this interrupt
directly, as the EXEC function call does this for you. If an application
spawns a child process, it must set the Terminate Address prior to issuing the
EXEC function call, otherwise when the second program terminated it would
return to the calling program's Terminate Address rather than its own. This
address may be set with int 21, function 25h.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 23h   Ctrl-Break Exit Address ............................... 5**2 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:008Ch)
 If the user enters a Ctrl-Break during STDIN, STDOUT, STDPRN, or STDAUX, int
23h is executed. If BREAK is on, int 23h is checked on MOST function calls
(notably 06h). If the user written Ctrl-Break routine saves all registers, it
may end with a return-from-interrupt instruction (IRET) to continue program
execution. If the user-written interrupt program returns with a long return, the
carry flag is used to determine whether the program will be aborted. If the
carry flag is set, the program is aborted, otherwise execution continues (as
with a return by IRET). If the user-written Ctrl-Break interrupt uses function
calls 09h or 0Ah, (Display String or Buffered Keyboard Input) then a three-byte
string of 03h-0Dh-0Ah (ETX/CR/LF) is sent to STDOUT. If execution is continued
with an IRET, I/O continues from the start of the line. When the interrupt
occurs, all registers are set to the value they had when the original function
call to DOS was made.

 There are no restrictions on what the Ctrl-Break handler is allowed to do,
including DOS function calls, as long as the registers are unchanged if an IRET
is used.

 If the program creates a new segment and loads a second program which itself
changes the Ctrl-Break address, the termination of the second program and
return to the first causes the Ctrl-Break address to be restored from the PSP
to the value it had before execution of the second program.

DOS can check for a Ctrl-C at a couple of different places.  In at least
some cases, the value in the AX register on entry to the int 23h handler
is the same as it was on the original entry to int 21h.

COMMAND.COM makes use of this fact in its int 23h handler.  When running
a batch file, if you press Ctrl-C it prompts you with the "Terminate batch
job (Y/N)?" question.  If you press Ctrl-C in response to that question,
the int 23h handler notices that it's being called recursively (having
set an internal flag), and uses the value of AX to determine how far it
had gotten on the previous pass.  If you have not responded to the query
yet, it asks it again; otherwise it just terminates the current program.

This could cause a problem in a program which was catching int 23h so that
it could release EMS or other resources  on exit, then pass it on to the
original handler.  When called a second time, it would correctly notice
that it had already cleaned up and wouldn't do it again, but by the time it
got to the original handler, AX would be trashed.  The result would be the
standard "Memory allocation error/Cannot load COMMAND, system halted".

Apparently, if you want to catch int 23h but also pass it on to the original
handler, you should either save and restore registers, or restore the original
vector on the first trap so you don't get invoked again.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 24h   Critical Error Handler ................................ 5**3 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0090h)

 When an unrecoverable I/O error occurs, control is transferred to an error
handler in the resident part of COMMAND.COM with an int 24h. This may be the
standard DOS error handler (Abort, Retry, Ignore, Fail?) or a user-written
routine.

 On entry to the error handler, AH will have its bit 7=0 (high order bit)
if the error was a disk error (probably the most common error), bit 7=1 if not.

 BP:SI contains the address of a Device Header Control Block from which
additional information can be retrieved (see below). The register is set up
for a retry operation and an error code is in the lower half of the DI register
with the upper half undefined.

 DOS places the following items on the user stack. The stack contains the
following from top to bottom:

        IP   │   DOS registers from the issuing int 24h
        CS   │
      flags  │
      ───────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
        AX   │   user registers at time of original int 21h request
        BX   │
        CX   │
        SI   │
        DI   │
        BP   │
        DS   │
        ES   │
      ───────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
        IP   │   original int 21h from the user to DOS
        CS   │
      flags  │

 To reroute the critical error handler to a user-written critical error handler,
the following should be done:

Before an int 24h occurs:
1) The user application initialization code should save the int 24h vector and
   replace the vector with one pointing to the user error routine.

When the int 24h occurs:
2) When the user error routine received control it should push the flag
   registers onto the stack and execute a far call to the original int 24h
   vector saved in step 1.
3) DOS gives the appropriate prompt, and waits for user input (Abort, Retry,
   Ignore, Fail). After the user input, DOS returns control to the user error
   routine instruction following the far call.
4) The user error routine can now do any tasks necessary. To return to the
   original application at the point the error occurred, the error routine needs
   to execute an IRET instruction. Otherwise, the user error routine should
   remove the IP, CS, and flag registers from the stack. Control can then be
   passed to the desired routine.

 Int 24h provides the following values in registers on entry to the interrupt
handler:

entry   AH      status byte (bits)
                7       0       disk I/O hard error
                        1       other error - if block device, bad FAT
                                - if char device, code in DI
                6       unused
                5       0       if IGNORE is not allowed
                        1       if IGNORE is allowed
                4       0       if RETRY  is not allowed
                        1       if RETRY  is allowed
                3       0       if FAIL   is not allowed
                        1       if FAIL   is allowed
                2 \     disk area of error  00 = DOS area  01 = FAT
                1 /                         10 = root dir  11 = data area
                0       0       if read operation
                        1       if write operation
        AL      drive number if AH bit 7 = 1, otherwise undefined
                If it is a hard error on disk (AH bit 7=0), register AL
                contains the failing drive number (0=A:, 1=B:, etc.).
        BP:SI   address of a Device Header Control Block for which error
                occurred. Block device if high bit of BP:SI+4 = 1
        DI      (low byte) error code (note: high byte is undefined)
               error code                 description
                00h             attempt to write on write-protected diskette
                01h             unknown unit
                02h             drive not ready
                03h             unknown command
                04h             data error (bad CRC)
                05h             bad request structure length
                06h             seek error
                07h             unknown media type
                08h             sector not found
                09h             printer out of paper
                0Ah             write fault
                0Bh             read fault
                0Ch             general failure
                0Fh             invalid disk change      (DOS 3.0+)
                10h             FCB unavailable          (DOS 3.0+)
                11h             sharing buffer overflow  (DOS 3.0+)

        note: Only codes 00h through 0Ch are defined in DR-DOS 3.32.

The handler must return this information:

 The registers are set such that if an IRET is executed, DOS responds according
to (AL) as follows:
AL      00h     IGNORE the error
        01h     RETRY the operation
        02h     ABORT via int 22h (jump to terminate address)
        03h     FAIL the system call that is in progress (DOS 3.0+)
note 1) Be careful when choosing to ignore a response because this causes DOS
        to think that an operation has completed successfully when it may not
        have.
     2) If the error was a character device, the contents of AL are invalid.
     3) Early PS/2 BIOSes did not perform a retry on disk errors until a disk
        had been read at least once after boot-up.


Other Errors

 If AH bit 7=1, the error occurred on a character device, or was the result of
a bad memory image of the FAT. The device header passed in BP:SI can be examined
to determine which case exists. If the attribute byte high-order bit indicates
a block device, then the error was a bad FAT. Otherwise, the error is on a
character device.

 If a character device is involved, the contents of AL are unpredictable, and
the error code is in DI as above.

note 1) Before giving this routine control for disk errors, DOS performs several
        retries. The number of retries varies according to the DOS version.
     2) For disk errors, this exit is taken only for errors occurring during an
        int 21h function call. It is not used for errors during an int 25h or
        26h.
     3) This routine is entered in a disabled state.
     4) All registers must be preserved.
     5) This interrupt handler should refrain from using DOS function calls. If
        necessary, it may use calls 01h through 12h. Use of any other call
        destroys the DOS stack and leaves DOS in an unpredictable state.
     6) The interrupt handler must not change the contents of the device header.
     7) If the interrupt handler handles errors itself rather than returning to
        DOS, it should restore the application program's registers from the
        stack, remove all but the last three words on the stack, then issue an
        IRET. This will return to the program immediately after the int 21h
        that experienced the error. Note that if this is done DOS will be in an
        unstable state until a function call higher than 12h is issued,
        therefore not recommended.
     8) For DOS 3.x+, IGNORE requests (AL=0) are converted to FAIL for critical
        errors that occur on FAT or DIR sectors.
     9) For DOS 3.10 up, IGNORE requests (AL=0) are converted to FAIL requests
        for network critical errors (50-79).
    10) The device header pointed to by BP:SI is as follows:
       dword    pointer to next device (0FFFFh if last device)
        word    attributes:
                bit     15      1       if character device.
                                        If bit 15 is 1:
                                        bit 0 = 1 if current standard input
                                        bit 1 = 1 if current standard output
                                        bit 2 = 1 if current NULL device
                                        bit 3 = 1 if current CLOCK device
                                0       if block device.
                bit     14      is the IOCTL bit
        word    pointer to device driver strategy entry point
        word    pointer to device driver interrupt entry point
      8 bytes   character device named field for block devices. The first byte
                is the number of units.
    11) To tell if the error occurred on a block or character device, look at
        bit 15 in the attribute field (WORD at BP:SI+4).
    12) If the name of the character device is desired, look at the eight bytes
        starting at BP:SI+10.


Handling of Invalid Responses (DOS 3.0+)

     A) If IGNORE (AL=0) is specified by the user and IGNORE is not allowed
        (bit 5=0), make the response FAIL (AL=3).
     B) If RETRY (AL=1) is specified by the user and RETRY is not allowed
        (bit 4=0), make the response FAIL (AL=3).
     C) If FAIL (AL=3) is specified by the user and FAIL is not allowed
        (bit 3=0), make the response ABORT. (AL=2)




┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 25h   Absolute Disk Read .................................... 5**4 │
│Interrupt 26h   Absolute Disk Write ................................... 5**5 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0094h, 0:0098h)

  These transfer control directly to the disk device driver. On return, the
original flags are still on the stack (put there by the INT instruction). This
is necessary because return information is passed back in the current flags.
All registers except the segment registers are destroyed by these calls.

  These interrupts should be avoided for software that is intended to run on
a network, as they may cause troubles in network environments.

  PC-MOS/386 provides these services only for compatibility with existing
DOS-mode apps.  25h/26h are not available for native mode 386-mode DOS apps.

  The number of sectors specified is transferred between the given drive and the
transfer address. Logical sector numbers are obtained by numbering each sector
sequentially starting from track 0, head 0, sector 1 (logical sector 0) and
continuing along the same head, then to the next head until the last sector on
the last head of the track is counted.  Thus, logical sector 1 is track 0, head
0, sector 2; logical sector 2 is track 0, head 0, sector 3; and so on. Numbering
then continues wih sector 1 on head 0 of the next track. Note that although the
sectors are sequentially numbered (for example, sectors 2 and 3 on track 0 in
the example above), they may not be physically adjacent on disk, due to
interleaving. Note that the mapping is different from that used by DOS 1.10 for
double-sided diskettes.

 The request is as follows:

int 25h for Absolute Disk Read,            | except Compaq DOS 3.31 or DOS 4.0+
int 26h for Absolute Disk Write            | over-32Mb partitions
entry   AL      drive number (0=A:, 1=B:, etc)
        CX      number of sectors to read (int 25h) or write (int 26h)
        DS:BX   segment/offset of disk transfer address buffer (DTA)
        DX      first relative sector to read - beginning logical sector number
return  CF      set if error
        AL      error code issued to int 24h in low half of DI
        AH      01h     bad command
                02h     bad address mark
                03h     write-protected disk
                04h     requested sector not found
                08h     DMA failure
                10h     data error (bad CRC)
                20h     controller failed
                40h     seek operation failed
                80h     attachment failed to respond
note 1) DOS returns with a far ret which leave the original flags on the stack.
        Be sure to pop the stack to prevent uncontrolled growth.
     2) MSC 3.0's int86() was a straight interrupt call.  MSC 4.0 and later
        make special provision for adjusting the stack on int 25h and 26h.
        This probably won't hurt anything but you should be aware of it.
     3) Ints 25h and 26h will try rereading a disk if they get an error the
        first time.

 To address partition sizes greater than 32Mb an extended format is provided
in Compaq DOS 3.31, DOS 4.0, and DR-DOS. This format passes a 32-bit address
value by means of a parameter block. The extended format may be used to
address disks smaller than 32Mb as well as larger.

 The request is as follows:

int 25h for Absolute Disk Read,            | Compaq DOS 3.31 or DOS 4.0+
int 26h for Absolute Disk Write            | over-32Mb partitions
entry   AL      drive number (0=A:, 1=B:, etc)
        CX      0FFFFh
        DS:BX   address of parameter block. Block format:
              4 bytes    sector number
              2 bytes    number of sectors to read
              4 bytes    FAR pointer to buffer
return  CF      set if error
        AL      error code issued to int 24h in low half of DI
        AH      01h     bad command
                02h     bad address mark
                03h     write-protected disk
                04h     requested sector not found
                08h     DMA failure
                10h     data error (bad CRC)
                20h     controller failed
                40h     seek operation failed
                80h     attachment failed to respond
note 1) DOS returns with a far ret which leave the original flags on the stack.
        Be sure to pop the stack to prevent uncontrolled growth.
     2) MSC 3.0's int86() was a straight interrupt call.  MSC 4.0 and later
        make special provision for adjusting the stack on int 25h and 26h.
        This probably won't hurt anything but you should be aware of it.
     3) Ints 25h and 26h will try rereading a disk if they get an error the
        first time.
     4) Partition is potentially >32M (and requires this form of the call) if
        bit 1 of device attribute word in device driver is set.
     5) In the IBM OS/2 Tech Ref Volume 1, page 7-33, under "DOS Environment
        Software Interrupt Support", it lists:
        25h  direct read       supported
        26h  direct write      an error is returned on requests for
                               non-removable media

  Interrupts 25h and 26h can read logical sectors only.  They cannot read
hidden sectors.

  Critical errors are not processed by ints 25h and 26h.  Should one happen,
the  interrupt routine will return an error value to the program but will not
itself call the critical error handler at int 24h.

 The Microsoft DOS 5.0 Technical Reference refers to this call as "superceded"
and directs you to int 21h, fn 440Dh, minor code 61h, "Read Track on Logical
Drive" and minor code 41h, "Write Track on Logical Drive."  See Chapter 4.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 27h   Terminate And Stay Resident ........................... 5**6 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:009Ch)       (obsolete)
 This vector is used by programs that are to remain resident when COMMAND.COM
regains control.

 After initializing itself, the program must set DX to its last address plus
one relative to the program's initial DS or ES value (the offset at which other
programs can be loaded), then execute interrupt 27h. DOS then considers the
program as an extension of itself, so the program is not overlaid when other
programs are executed. This is useful for loading programs such as utilities
and interrupt handlers that must remain resident.

entry   CS      current program segment
        DX      last program byte + 1
return  none
note 1) This interrupt must not be used by .EXE programs that are loaded into
        the high end of memory.
     2) This interrupt restores the interrupt 22h, 23h, and 24h vectors in the
        same manner as interrupt 20h. Therefore, it cannot be used to install
        permanently resident Ctrl-Break or critical error handler routines.
     3) The maximum size of memory that can be made resident by this method is
        64K.
     4) Memory can be more efficiently used if the block containing a copy of
        the environment is deallocated before terminating. This can be done by
        loading ES with the segment contained in 2Ch of the PSP, and issuing
        function call 49h (Free Allocated Memory).
     5) DOS function call 4Ch allows a program to pass a completion code to DOS,
        which can be interpreted with processing (see function call 31h).
     6) If int 27h is called by a program linked with the /HIGH switch, it
        will occupy the top of memory and prevent COMMAND.COM from reloading,
        which is probably not what you want.
     7) Int 21, function 31h is the preferred method to cause a program to
        remain resident because this allows return information to be passed and
        allows a program larger than 64K to remain resident.
     8) It is possible to make an EXE program resident with this call by
        putting a 27h in the second byte of the PSP and terminating with a
        RET FAR.
     9) Programs terminating with int 27h do not close files on exit. Your
        program must explicitly close any opened files before going resident.
    10) Int 27h does not work correctly when DX contains values from 0FFF1h to
        0FFFFh. In this case, DOS discards the high bit of the contents of DX,
        resulting in 32k less resident memory than was requested by the
        program.
    11) This interrupt will work with PC-MOS/386, but there are a number of
        MOS-specific advantages to using int 21h/31h instead.  See Chapter
        4 for further explanation.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 28h   (not documented by Microsoft) ......................... 5**7 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
           *    DOS Idle Interrupt

 Int 28h has been provided by DOS since release 2.0. The int 28h process is
similar to the "Timer Tick" process provided by BIOS via int 1Ch in that it is
an "outbound" (from DOS) call which an application can "hook onto" to get
service at a particular entry point. DOS normally only issues int 28h when it
recieves a function call (int 21h) from a foreground application with an
argument in the range of 0 thru 12 (0Ch) in the AH register, or when it is
idling waiting for keyboard input. In effect, when DOS issues int 28h, it is
saying to the background task "I'm not doing anything hot right now, if you can
use the time, go ahead." This means that a foreground application which doesn't
do many low-number DOS functions can preempt CPU time easily.

 When int 28h is being issued it is usually safe to do DOS calls. You won't get
int 28hs if a program is running that doesn't do its keyboard input through
DOS. You should rely on the timer interrupt for these. It is used primarily by
the PRINT.COM routines, but any number of other routines can be chained to it
by saving the original vector and calling it with a FAR call (or just JMPing to
it) at the end of the new routine.

 Int 28h is not called at all when any non-trivial foreground task is running.
As soon as a foreground program has a file open, int 28h no longer gets called.
Could make a good driver for for a background program that works as long as
there is nothing else going on in the machine.

 DOS uses 3 separate internal stacks: one for calls 01h through 0Ch; another
for calls 0Dh and above; and a third for calls 01h through 0Ch when a Critical
Error is in progress. When int 28h is called, any calls above 0Ch can be
executed without destroying the internal stack used by DOS at the time.

 The byte which is pushed on the stack before an int 28h just indicates which
stack area is being used by the current int 21h call. In DOS 3.1, the code
sequence that calls int 28h looks like this:

        PUSH    SS:[0304]
        INT     28
        POP     SS:[0304]

 The low-order byte of the word pushed contains 1 if the int 21h call currently
in progress is for services 1 through 0Ch, and 0 for service 0 and for 0Dh and
up. Assuming that the last DOS call was not a reentrant one, this tells you
which set of DOS services should be safe to call.

entry   no parameters available
return  none
note 1) The int 28h handler may invoke any int 21h function except functions
        00h through 0Ch (and 50h/51h under DOS 2.x unless DOS CritErr flag is
        set).
     2) Apparently int 28h is also called during screen writes.
     3) Until some program installs its own routine, this interrupt vector
        simply points to an IRET opcode.
     4) Supported in OS/2 1.0's DOS Compatibility Box.
     5) It is possible, if you are careful, to enhance the background priority
        by providing more int 28h calls than DOS normally would issue.
     6) If the InDOS flag is zero on int 28h, then it was called by someone
        other than DOS, and the word on the stack should NOT be examined.
     7) From Quarterdeck Tech Support: "Turbo Pascal 4.0 uses int 28h as a
        convenience for its SideKick product users. Interrupt 28 is the DOS
        busy flag which DESQview treats as a pause and gives up time...
        foreground gets little time and background gets a lot...reverse of
        normal."
     8) This interrupt is supported by PC-MOS/386 and MS Windows 3.0+.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 29h   (not documented by Microsoft) ......................... 5**8 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
           *    Internal - Quick Screen Output

 This method is extremely fast (much faster than DOS 21h subfunctions 2 and 9,
for example), and it is portable, even to "non-compatible" MS-DOS computers.

entry   AL      ASCII value for character to output to screen
return  unknown
note 1) Documented by Digital Equipment's DOS Reference as provided with the
        DEC Rainbow. Also documented by Digital Research in the DR-DOS manual.
     2) If ANSI.SYS is installed, character output is filtered through it.
     3) Works on the IBM PC and compatibles, Wang PC, HP-150 and Vectra, DEC
        Rainbow, NEC APC, Texas Instruments PC and others.
     4) This interrupt is called from the DOS's output routines if output is
        going to a device rather than a file, and the device driver's attribute
        word has bit 3 (04h) set to "1".
     5) This call has been tested with MSDOS 2.11, PCDOS 2.1, PCDOS 3.1, PCDOS
        3.2, PCDOS 3.3, PCDOS 4.01, and Compaq DOS 3.31.
     6) Used in IBMBIO.COM as a vector to int 10, function 0Eh (write TTY)
        followed by an IRET.
     7) Most of the fast ANSI device drivers use this interrupt - ZANSI.SYS,
        NANSI.SYS, and PCMag's ANSI.COM, Quarterdeck's DVANSI.SYS.
     8) When using int 29h to output characters the ASCII 7 (BELL) will
        suppress character output while the bell is sounding.
     9) When device drivers (or the SYSINIT module which loads the drivers)
        need to do console output, they use int 29h, to call the console device
        driver directly. For example, messages telling you about errors in your
        CONFIG.SYS file are printed using this service.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 2Ah   Microsoft Networks - Session Layer Interrupt .......... 5**9 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
        1)  This interrupt was not officially documented by Microsoft
            until the release of Windows 3.0, which has setup parameters
            for int 2Ah.
        2)  LANtastic NetBIOS interface, original IBM PC LAN interface.
        3)  NetBIOS alternate interface. The alternate interface (2Ah) was
            originally designed as a "higher" level interface to network
            communications rather than the "low" level interface (5Ch)
            provided by the NETBIOS. The 2Ah interface, however, does not
            support any higher level functions than does the 5Ch interface
            and therefore has not become a de facto standard as has the 5Ch
            interface.
        4)  Most DOS 4.0 external programs (SHARE, etc) check this
            interrupt during installation.

entry   AH      00h     Check for Int 2Ah Network BIOS Installation
                        return  AH      nonzero if installed
                01h     Execute NETBIOS Request (no error retry)
                        ES:BX   pointer to NCB
return          AL      NETBIOS error code
                AH      00h     if no error
                        01h     if error
                02h     Set Net Printer Mode
                03h     Get Shared-Device Direct I/O Status
                        AL      00h
                        DS:SI   pointer to ASCIIZ disk device name
                        return  CF      clear   if allowed
                                        set     if denied
                        note 1) Direct I/O is through ints 13h, 25h, or 26h.
                             2) If the device is redirected (see int 21h/5F02h)
                                or this call returns with carry set, the program
                                should not perform direct disk I/O.
                             3) The device pointed to by DS:SI must include the
                                colon in the drive:pathname.
                             4) It may take some time for this call to return
                                to the calling program. Do not use in time-
                                sensitive applications.
                04h     Execute NETBIOS
                        AL      00h     retry on error
                                01h     no retry on error
                        ES:BX   pointer to network control block
                        return  AX      0000h   for no error
                                AH      01h     if error
                                        AL      error code (unknown)
                        note 1) IBM PC LAN says, "for adapter independence,
                                use int 2Ah. No not use 5Ch function provided
                                by the network adapter."
                             2) Error codes that are automatically retried are:
                                09h     no session resources available
                                12h     session open rejected
                                21h     interface busy
                05h     Get Network Resource Information
                        AL      00h
                        return  AX      reserved
                                BX      # of network names (16 - names in use)
                                CX      number of available NCB commands
                                DX      number of sessions (max - pending)
                06h     Network Print-Stream Control
                (IBM PC LAN)
                        AL      01h     Set spooled output to concatenation mode
                                02h     Set spooled output to truncation mode
                                03h     Trunate printer stream
                        return  CF      clear   no error
                                        set     AX      DOS error code
                (LANtastic)
                        AL      01h     Set spooled output to combined mode
                                return  none
                                02h     Set spooled output in separate mode
                                return  none
                                note    Printer output is not combined when
                                        multiple programs are run or when the
                                        printer is opened or closed. This cmd.
                                        implicitly starts a new print job.
                                03h     Flush printer output
                                return  none
                                note 1) Printer output is flushed and a new
                                        print job is started. If no output
                                        exists to be flushed then this function
                                        has no affect.
                                     2) 03h is equivalent to Ctrl/Alt/keypad-*
                        note    NETBIOS 1.10
                07h-19h unknown
                20h     unknown
                        note    AL=01h intercepted by DESQview 2.0.
                23h     Receive Broadcast Datagram
                        IBM PC LAN 1.2. Manual says "use is not allowed".
                80h     Begin DOS Critical Section
                        AL      critical section number (1 to 6)
                note    SHARE.EXE uses critical section number 01h.
                81h     End DOS Critical Section
                        AL      critical section number (1 to 6)
                note    SHARE.EXE uses critical section number 01h.
                82h     Server Hook
                        stack   AX from call to int 21h
                        return  stack unchanged
                        note    Called by the int 21h function dispatcher
                                in DOS 3.10+ for function 0 and functions
                                greater than 0Ch except 59h.
                84h     Keyboard Busy Loop
                        note    Same functionality as DOS's int 28h?
                87h     Used by DOS PRINT to mark Critical Regions:
                        AL      00h     Begin Critical Region
                                01h     End Critical Region
                        return  CF      set     region already active
               0A3h     Receive Broadcast Datagram
                        IBM PC LAN 1.2. Manual says "use is not allowed".


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 2Bh   (not documented by Microsoft) ......................... 5**10│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
           *    Unknown - Internal Routine for DOS (IRET)


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 2Ch   (not documented by Microsoft) ......................... 5**11│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
           *    Unknown - Internal Routine for DOS (IRET)


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 2Dh   (not documented by Microsoft) ......................... 5**12│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
           *    Unknown - Internal Routine for DOS (IRET)


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 2Eh   (undocumented by Microsoft)  (DOS 2.0+) ............... 5**13│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
           *    Internal Routine for DOS  (Alternate EXEC)

  This interrupt passes a command line addressed by DS:SI to COMMAND.COM. The
command line must be formatted just like the unformatted parameter area of a
Program Segment Prefix. That is, the first byte must be a count of characters,
and the second and subsequent bytes must be a command line with parameters,
terminated by a carriage return character.

  When executed, int 2Eh will reload the transient part of the command
interpreter if it is not currently in memory. If called from a program that
was called from a batch file, it will abort the batch file. If executed from a
program which has been spawned by the EXEC function, it will abort the whole
chain and probably lock up the computer. Int 2Eh also destroys all registers
including the stack pointer.

  Int 2Eh is called from the transient portion of the program to reset the DOS
PSP pointers using the above Functions #81 & #80, and then reenters the
resident program.

  When called with a valid command line, the command will be carried out by
COMMAND.COM just as though you had typed it in at the DOS prompt. Note that the
count does not include the carriage return. This is an elegant way to perform a
SET from an application program against the master environment block for
example.

entry   DS:SI   pointer to an ASCIIZ command line in the form:
                        count byte
                        ASCII string
                        carriage return
                        null byte
note 1) Destroys all registers including stack pointer.
     2) Seems to work OK in both DOS 2.x and 3.x.
     3) It is reportedly not used by DOS.
     4) As far as known, int 2Eh is not used by DOS 3.1, although it was called
        by COMMAND.COM of PCDOS 3.0, so it appears to be in 3.1 only for the
        sake of compatibility.
     5) Not used by the aftermarket 4DOS command interpreter prior to version
        3.0. 3.0 merely hooks this vector and does nothing with it.  3.02 and
        later provide a TSR to add 2Eh capability.
     6) Trapped by PC-MOS/386 to prevent illegal entry into the command
        processor.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 2Fh   Multiplex Interrupt ................................... 5**14│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

 Interrupt 2Fh is the multiplex interrupt. A general interface is defined
between two processes. It is up to the specific application using interrupt
2Fh to define specific functions and parameters.

 This interrupt is becoming more commonly used as the available interrupt 21
functions are getting to be in short supply. Int 2Fh doesn't require any
support from DOS itself for it to be used in application programs. It's not
handled by DOS, but by the programs themselves.

 Every multiplex interrupt handler is assigned a specific multiplex number.
The multiplex number is specified in the AH register; the AH value tells which
program your request is directed toward. The specific function that the handler
is to perform is placed in the AL register. Other parameters are places in the
other registers as needed. The handlers are chained into the 2Fh interrupt
vector and the multiplex number is checked to see if any other application is
using the same multiplex number. There is no predefined method for assigning a
multiplex number to a handler. You must just pick one. To avoid a conflict if
two applications choose the same multiplex number, the multiplex numbers used by
an application should be patchable. In order to check for a previous
installation of the current application, you can search memory for a unique
string included in your program. If the value you wanted in AH is taken but
you don't find the string, then another application has grabbed that location.

 Int 2Fh was not documented under DOS 2.x. There is no reason not to use int 2Fh
as the multiplex interrupt in DOS 2.x. The only problem is that DOS 2.x does not
initialize the int 2Fh vector, so when you try to chain to it like you are
supposed to, it will crash. If your program checks the vector for being zero
and initializes it itself or doesn't chain in that case, it will work for you
n 2.x just the same as 3.x.

 DOS 3.2 itself contains some int 2Fh handlers - it uses values of 08h, 13h,
and 0F8h. There may be more. NLSFUNC from DOS 3.3 up uses part of int 2Fh and
so does GRAFTABL.

 For int 2Fh calls, register AH identifies which program is to handle the
interrupt. AH values 00h-7Fh are reserved for DOS, not that anyone cares much.
Values 0C0h-0FFh are reserved for applications. Register AL contains the
subfunction code if used.

 IBM has reported that PC-DOS 4.0 will sometimes hang when substituting int
2Fh for int 67h for network calls. Most of DOS 4.0's external commands check
the 2Fh PRINT and other statuses while operating for enhanced network support.
DOS 4.0 SHARE.EXE traps the 2Fh interrupt. IBM and Microsoft DOS programming
information for versions prior to 4.0 strongly imply that 2Fh functions not
used by PRINT.COM are open for general use. DOS 4.0 uses quite a few 2Fh
functions and this may be a cause of incompatibility with some software.

 LANtastic NOS SERVER.EXE v2.49s and earlier will not run under DOS 4.x due
to int 2Fh conflicts. This conflict also occurs under DR-DOS versions 3.40 and
3.41. DR-DOS is internally similar to DOS 4.0.


Function   01h  PRINT.COM
           PC-DOS 3.3's PRINT.COM hooks the following interrupt vectors:
                05h     PrintScreen Interrupt
                13h     BIOS Disk Interrupt
                14h     BIOS Serial Communications Interrupt
                15h     BIOS "System Services" Interrupt
                17h     BIOS Printer Interrupt
                19h     Bootstrap Loader Interrupt
                1Ch     Timer Tick
                23h     Control-C Terminate Address
                24h     Critical Error Handler Address
                28h     DOS Idle Interrupt (undocumented)
                2Fh     Multiplex Interrupt

entry   AH      01h
                AL      00h     PRINT  Get Installed State
                        This call must be defined by all int 2Fh handlers. It
                        is used by the caller of the handler to determine if
                        the handler is present. On entry, AL=0. On return, AL
                        contains the installed state as follows:
                return  AL      0FFh    installed
                                01h     not installed, not OK to install
                                00h     not installed, OK to install

                        01h     PRINT  Submit File
                        DS:DX   pointer to submit packet
                                format  byte    level
                                        dword   pointer to ASCIIZ filename
                return  CF      set if error
                                AX      error code
                note 1) A submit packet contains the level (BYTE) and a pointer
                        to the ASCIIZ string (DWORD in offset:segment form).
                        The ASCIIZ string must contain the drive, path, and
                        filename of the file you want to print. The filename
                        cannot contain global filename characters.
                return  CF      set if error
                                AX      error code

                        02h     PRINT Cancel File
                        On entry, AL=2 and DS:DX points to the ASCIIZ string for
                        the print file you want to cancel. Global filename
                        characters are allowed in the filename.
                DS:DX   pointer to ASCIIZ file name to cancel (wildcards OK)
                return  CF      set if error
                                AX      error code

                        03h     PRINT Remove All Files
                return  CF      set if error
                                AX      error code

                        04h     PRINT Hold Queue/Get Status
                        This call holds the jobs in the print queue so that you
                        can scan the queue. Issuing any other code releases the
                        jobs. On entry, AL=4. On return, DX contains the error
                        count. DS:SI points to the print queue. The print queue
                        consists of a series of filename entries. Each entry is
                        64 bytes long. The first entry in the queue is the file
                        currently being printed. The end of the queue is marked
                        by the entry having a null as the first character.
               return   DX      error count
                        DS:SI   pointer to print queue (null-string terminated
                                list of 64-byte ASCIIZ filenames)
                        CF      set if error
                                AX      error code
                                        01h     function invalid
                                        02h     file not found
                                        03h     path not found
                                        04h     too many open files
                                        05h     access denied
                                        08h     queue full
                                        09h     spooler busy
                                        0Ch     name too long
                                        0Fh     drive invalid

                        05h     PRINT release print jobs
                return  none
                note 1) This call has no parameters.
                     2) Restarts the print queue.  This call must be called
                        to restart the current print job or after calling
                        function 04h to pause the print job.

                        06h     PRINT get printer device (DOS 3.3+)
                return  CF      clear   OK
                                AX      0000h
                        CF      set
                                AX      0008h   (ERROR_QUEUE_FULL)
                                DS:SI   pointer to printer device header
                                        struc.
                note 1) This call has no parameters.
                     2)



Function  05h   DOS 3.0+ Critical Error Handler
entry   AH      05h
        AL      00h     Installation Check
                return  AL      00h     not installed, OK to install
                                01h     not installed, not OK to install
                                0FFh    installed
                note    This set of functions allows a user program to
                        partially or completely override the default
                        critical error handler in COMMAND.COM.
        AL      xxh     Handle Error - nonzero error code in AL
                        (xxh indicates nonzero extended error code)
                return  CF      clear
                        ES:DI   pointer to ASCIIZ error message
                        AL      (?)
                        CF      set     use default error handler
for LANtastic LANOS:
entry   AH      05h
        AL      00h     for installation check
                #       for error code (in pre DOS 4.00)
                1 or 2  for error code in DOS 4.00
        BX      in      Error code
return  CF      clear   if error code converted to text
                set     if error code can't be converted
        ES:DI   pointer to ASCIIZ text buffer containing error text. This is a
                read-only text buffer and you must not alter the text in this
                buffer.


Function  06h   ASSIGN
entry   AH      06h
        AL      00h     Installation Check
                01h     Get Memory Segment
return (AH=00h) AL      (to 4.01) nonzero if ASSIGN is installed
                        (5.0)      0FFh if ASSIGN is installed
       (AH=01h) ES      segment of ASSIGN work area
note 1) Many references report the return value in AH, but this call appears
        to return its information in AL.
     2) Microsoft Press' "Advanced MSDOS Programming" (Second Edition)
        documents int 2Fh, AX=2000 to check for ASSIGN, but according to
        Ray Duncan (the author) this is a typo.


Function   08h  DRIVER.SYS
entry   AH      08h
        AL      00h     Installation Check
                return  AL      00h     not installed, OK to install
                                01h     not installed, not OK to install
                                0FFh    installed
                01h     Add New Block Device
                        DS:DI   pointer to device driver header
                note    Moves down list of drivers, copying and modifying word
                        at offset 29h. Device driver appended to driver chain.
                02h     Execute Device Driver Request
                        ES:BX   pointer to device driver request header
                return  Request header updated as per requested operation.


Function   10h  SHARE                                   (DOS 3.0+)
entry   AH      10h
        AL      00h     Installation Check
return  AL      00h     not installed, OK to install
                01h     not installed, not OK to install
                0FFh    installed
note 1) Values of AL other than 00h appear to put DOS 3.3 SHARE into an
        infinite loop.
     2) PC-MOS/386 will always report SHARE.EXE as being present, as its
        functions are duplicated within the PC-MOS/386 kernel.
     3) If DOS 4.0's SHARE is loaded manually, either in the CONFIG or AUTOEXEC
        file, it can't access the NUL device if 4DOS 3.x is installed. If
        SHARE.EXE is in the root, the problem doesn't usually occur. It's been
        reported that 4DOS is not the only program that has problems with
        SHARE.EXE and the NUL device, so it's more likely to be an MS-DOS
        problem than a 4DOS problem.  (dgh on BIX)
     4) MS Windows intercepts this call and always returns nonzero regardless
        of SHARE's presence.  If your program uses file sharing you should
        try locking and reading a file and watch for the error codes returned
        by int 21h/5Ch. (Lock/Unlock File)
     5) SHARE function is built into DR-DOS 3.4x, but was removed to a
        separate TSR module in 5.0 and 6.0.


Function   14h  NLSFUNC.COM
entry   AH      14h
        AL      00h     installation check
                return  AL      00h     not installed, OK to install
                                01h     not installed, not OK to install
                                0FFh    installed
                01h     unknown
                note    Calls int 2Fh/1227h under certain circumstances.
                02h     unknown
                note    Calls int 2Fh/1227h under certain circumstances.
                03h     unknown
                note    In DOS 3.3, appears to be identical to subfunction 01h.
other parameters unknown


Function   15h  CD-ROM extensions
                Microsoft CD-ROM driver versions 1.0 through 2.0 will work
                only up to DOS 3.31. DOS 4.0 and up require 2.1 drivers.
                MSCDEX abandons INT 13; and redirection within DOS to do its
                work. Some LAN software, such as LANtastic, uses the same
                mechanism to implement network drives. MSCDEX provides IFS
                functionality in any version of DOS back to 3.0.

entry   AH      15h     CD-ROM services
        AL      subfunctions
                00h     Get Number of CD-ROM Drives (Installation Check)
                BX      00h
                return  BX      number of CD-ROM drive letters used
                                0000h   MSCDEX not installed
                        CX      starting drive letter (0=A:, 1=B:, etc)
                note    This installation check does not follow the format used
                        by other software.

                01h     Get Drive Device List
                ES:BX   pointer to buffer to hold drive letter list
                        (5 bytes per drive letter)
                return  buffer filled, for each drive letter:
                        byte    subunit number in driver
                        dword   address of device driver header

                02h     Get Copyright File Name
                CX      drive number (0=A:)
                ES:BX   pointer to 38-byte buffer for name of copyright file
                return  CF      set if drive is not a CD-ROM drive
                                AX      error code  (15h)

                03h     Get Abstract File Name
                ES:BX   pointer to 38-byte buffer for name of abstract file
                CX      drive number (0=A:)
                return  CF      set if drive is not a CD-ROM drive
                                AX      error code  (15h)

                04h     Get Bibliographic Doc File Name
                CX      drive number (0=A:)
                ES:BX   pointer to 38-byte buffer for name of bibliographic
                        documentation file
                return  CF      set if drive is not a CD-ROM drive
                                AX      error code  (15h)

                05h     Read VTOC (Volume Table of Contents)
                CX      drive number (0=A:)
                DX      sector index (0=first volume descriptor, 1=second,...)
                ES:BX   pointer to 2048-byte buffer
                return  CF      set on error
                                AX      error code (15h, 21h)
                        CF      clear if successful
                                AX      volume descriptor type
                                        00h     other
                                        01h     standard
                                        0FFh    terminator

                06h     Turn Debugging On
                BX      debugging function to enable
                note    Reserved for development.

                07h     Turn Debugging Off
                BX      debugging function to disable
                note    Reserved for development.

                08h     Absolute Disk Read
                CX      drive number (0=A:)
                DX      number of sectors to read
                ES:BX   pointer to buffer
                SI:DI   starting sector number
                return  CF      set on error
                                AL      error code  (15h, 21h)

                09h     Absolute Disk Write
                CX      drive number (0=A:)
                DX      number of sectors to write
                ES:BX   pointer to buffer
                SI:DI   starting sector number
                note    Corresponds to int 26h and is currently reserved and
                        nonfunctional.

                0Ah     Reserved by Microsoft

                0Bh     CD-ROM 2.00 - Drive Check
                CX      drive number (0=A:)
                return  BX      0ADADh if MSCDEX.EXE installed
                        AX      0000h   if drive not supported
                                <>0     if supported

                0Ch     CD-ROM 2.00 - Get MSCDEX.EXE Version
                return  BH      major version
                        BL      minor version
                note    MSCDEX.EXE versions prior to 1.02 return BX=0.

                0Dh     CD-ROM 2.00 - Get CD-ROM Drive Letters
                ES:BX   pointer to buffer for drive letter list
                        (1 byte per drive)
                return  Buffer filled with drive numbers (0=A:). Each byte
                        corresponds to the drive in the same position for
                        function 1501h.

                0Eh     CDROM 2.00 - Get/Set Volume Descriptor Preference
                BX      subfunction
                        00h     Get Preference
                        DX      0000h
                        return  DX      preference settings
                        01h     Set Preference
                        DH      volume descriptor preference
                                01h     primary volume descriptor
                                02h     supplementary volume descriptor
                        DL      supplementary volume descriptor preference
                                01h     shift-Kanji
                        CX      drive number (0=A:)
                        return  CF      set on error
                                        AX      error code  (01h, 15h)

                0Fh     CD-ROM 2.00 - Get Directory Entry
                CX      drive number (0=A:)
                ES:BX   pointer to ASCIIZ pathname
                SI:DI   pointer to 255-byte buffer for directory entry
                return  CF      set on error
                                AX      error code
                        CF      clear if succesful
                                AX      disk format (0=High Sierra, 1=ISO 9660)
                note    Directory entry format:
                        byte    length of directory entry
                        byte    length of XAR in LBN's
                        dword   LBN of data, Intel (little-Endian) format
                        dword   LBN of data, Motorola (big-Endian) format
                        dword   length of file, Intel format
                        dword   length of file, Motorola format
               ---High Sierra---
                      6 bytes   date and time
                        byte    bit flags
                        byte    reserved
               ---ISO 9660---
                      7 bytes   data and time
                        byte    bit flags
               ---both formats---
                        byte    interleave size
                        byte    interleave skip factor
                        word    volume set sequence number, Intel format
                        word    volume set sequence number, Motorola format
                        byte    length of file name
                      n bytes   file name
                        byte    (optional) padding if filename is odd length
                      n bytes   system data

                Error codes:
                        01h     invalid function
                        15h     invalid drive
                        21h     not ready


Function   16h  MS-DOS Idle Call  (DOS 5.0+, OS/2 2.0, Windows 3.0+)
entry   AH      16h     idle call
        AL      80h
return  AL      00h     idle call is supported
                nonzero idle call is not supported
note 1) When your program is waiting for user input or otherwise not doing
        useful work, you can call this function in a loop.  Properly written
        background programs can monitor this call to determine if it is safe
        to do processing.  This call originated in Windows 3.0, then the
        OS/2 2.0 DOS box, and finally in DOS 5, where DOSSHELL uses it so
        processes can tell the shell when it is safe to swap tasks.

        The MS 5.0 Technical Reference recommends making sure the int 2Fh
        vector is nonzero before calling this function.  This would be to
        ensure you are running a DOS version that has 2Fh support.

        This call is nonblocking, that is, the system does not suspend the
        program unless another program is ready to run.  Usually the call
        returns immediately and the program continues running.


Function   1Ah  ANSI.SYS   (DOS 4.0+)
entry   AH      00h     Installation Check
                return  AL      00h     not installed
                                0FFh    if installed
                01h     Get/Set Display Information
                        CL      5Fh     set information
                                7Fh     get information
                                DS:DX   pointer to parm block as for int 21h,
                                        AX=440Ch, CX=037Fh/035Fh respectively
                return  CF      set     on error
                                        AX      error code (unknown)
                                clear   if successful
                note 1) AX is destroyed.
                     2) May be the DOS IOCTL interface to ANSI.SYS.


Function   1Bh  XMA2EMS.SYS   (DOS 4.0+)
entry   AH      00h     Installation Check
                return  AL      0FFh    if installed
                01h     Get Hidden Frame Information
                        DI      hidden physical page number
                return  AX      0000h if successful
                                        ES      segment of page frame
                                        DI      physical page number
                                0FFFFh if failed (no such hidden page)
note 1) XMA2EMS.SYS extension is only installed if DOS has page frames to hide.
        This extension hooks onto int 67h fn58h and returns from that call data
        which excludes the physical pages being used by DOS.
     2) Fn 02h corresponds to the data edited out of the int 67h/fn 58h call.


Function  43h   Microsoft Extended Memory Specification (XMS)
                The XMS version 2.00 for MS-DOS allows DOS programs to utilize
                additional memory found in 80286 and 80386 machines. With some
                restrictions, XMS adds about 64K to the 640K which DOS programs
                can access directly. XMS also provides DOS programs with a
                standard method of storing data in extended memory.
                See Chapter 10 for API.


Function  48h   DOSKEY.COM (DOS 5.0+)
entry   AH      48h     DOSKEY.COM
        AL      00h     Get Installed State
return  AL      00h     not installed
                0FFh    installed

        AL      10h     Read Command Line
                DS:DX   pointer to buffer to take the command line
                        buffer:
                        offset  description
                        00h     buffer size (max 128 bytes)
                        01h     the number of characters, minus 1.  The final
                                CR is copied to the buffer but not included in
                                the byte count.
                        02h     the first byte of the input line.
return  AX      0000h
                DS:DX   filled with command line
note    AX=0 if the user types a macro name, and the buffer is not filled.
        Your program must call the function a second time to expand the macro
        and copy the macro text to the buffer.


Function  4Ah   DOS 5.0 HMA Services (undocumented)
entry   AH      4Ah
        AL      01h     Get Size
return  BX      number of bytes (possibly 0) of available HMA
        ES:DI   start of the available HMA


Function  64h   SCRNSAV2
entry   AH      64h
        AL      00h     installation check
return  AL      00h     not installed
                0FFh    installed
note    SCRNSAV2.COM is a screen blanker for PS/2s with VGA by Alan Ballard.


Function  7Ah   Novell NetWare
entry   AH      7Ah
        AL      00h     installation check
return  AL      00h     not installed
                0FFh    installed
        ES:DI   pointer to FAR entry point for routines otherwise accessed
                through int 21h
note 1) Returns address of entry point for IPX and SPX.
     2) Parameters are listed in Chapter 13.


Function  87h   APPEND
entry   AH      87h
        AL      00h     APPEND installation check
                return  AH <> 0 if installed
                01h     APPEND - unknown
                02h     APPEND - version check
return  unknown


Function  88h   Microsoft Networks
entry   AH      88h
        AL      00h     network program installation check
                return  AH <> 0 if installed
                        BX      installed component flags (test in this order!)
                           bits 2       messenger
                                3       redirector
                                6       server
                                7       receiver
                                other bits not used, do not test
                01h     unknown
                02h     unknown
                03h     get current POST address
                        return  ES:BX   POST address
                04h     set new POST address
                        ES:BX   new POST address
                09h     network version check


Function  89h   WHOA!           (slows system down for games)
entry   AH      89h
        AL      00h     installation check
                return  AL      00h     not installed
                                0FFh    installed
                01h     uninstall
                return  AL      0FDh    successful
                                0FEh    error
                02h     set delay count
                BX = delay count (larger values slow system down more)
                return  AL      0FDh    successful
                                0FEh    error
note    WHOA!.COM is copyright COMPUTE! Publications and Brad Crandall.


Function  0AAh  VIDCLOCK.COM
entry   AH      0AAh
        AL      00h     installation check
return  AL      00h     not installed
                0FFh    installed
note    VIDCLOCK.COM is a memory-resident clock by Thomas G. Hanlin III.


Function  0ADh  KEYB.COM                                        (DOS 3.3+)
entry   AH      0ADh
        AL      80h     Get KEYB.COM Version Number
return
        BX      00h     not installed
                nonzero installed
                        BH      major version number
                        BL      minor version number
---
        AL      81h     Set KEYB.COM Active Code Page
        BX      code page ID
                437     USA
                850     Multilingual (Latin I)
                852     Multilingual (Latin II)
                860     Portuguese
                863     French-Canadian
                865     Nordic
return  CF      clear   successful
                set
                AX      0001h   if code page is not valid
---
        AL      82h     Set KEYB.COM Country Flag
        BL      00h     domestic (USA) keyboard
                0FFh    not USA keyboard
return  CF      clear   successful
                set     invalid value was passed in BL
---
        AL      83h     Get KEYB.COM Country Flag
return  BL      current country flag value (should be 00h or 0FFh)

note    Some of these functions are available in DOS 3.3 and 4.0, but were
        not documented.  These descriptions are for DOS 5.0.


Function  0B0h  GRAFTABL.COM                                    (DOS 3.3+)
entry   AH      0B0h
        AL      00h     installation check
        return  AL      00h     not installed, OK to install
                        0FFh    installed
note 1) Also used by DISPLAY.SYS.


Function  0B7h  APPEND.EXE                                      (DOS 3.3+)
entry   AH      0B7h
        AL      00h     installation check
                return  AH      00h     not installed
                                nonzero installed (3.3-4.0)
                                0FFh    installed (5.0)

                01h     unknown

                02h     version check
                return  AH      minor version number, otherwise
                        AL      major version number
                note    The MS 5.0 TR reports AX should be 0FFFFh for versions
                        compatible with DOS 5.0.  However, DOS 4.0 returns
                        the same value.

                03h     unknown

                04h     get APPEND directory list address       (DOS 4.0+)
                return  ES:DI   pointer to active APPEND path (128 bytes max)
                                in ASCIIZ format

                05h     unknown

                06h     get APPEND modes flag                   (DOS 4.0+)
                return  BX      APPEND state
                           bits 0       set if APPEND enabled
                                1-B     reserved, must be zero
                                C       appends dirs to file requests that
                                        already specify a drive
                                D       applies dirs to file requests that
                                        already specify a PATH.  Set if /PATH
                                        flag active
                                E       stores the appended dirs in the APPEND
                                        environment variable.  Set if /E flag
                                        active
                                F       applies dirs to functions like EXEC
                                        (21h/4B00h) or FIND FIRST (21h/4Eh).
                                        Set if /X flag active.
                note    Returns the current operation modes for APPEND.

                07h     set APPEND modes flag                   (DOS 4.0+)
                        BX      APPEND state bits (see 06h)
                return  none

                08h     unknown
                09h     unknown
                0Ah     unknown
                10h     unknown

                11h     set TRUENAME flag                       (DOS 4.0+)
                note 1) This call has no parameters.
                     2) If the next int 21h call is function 3Dh, 43h, 4Eh or
                        6Ch, the fully qualified filename is written over top
                        of the filename passed to the int 21h call. The
                        application must provide a sufficiently large buffer.
                        This state is reset after APPEND processes the call.

note 1) (4.0+) The full path name can be retrieved by doing a int 2Fh fn 0B711h
        before an open (int 21h 3Dh or 6Ch). The full path is put in your
        ASCIIZ string when you do the open, so be sure it is long enough.
     2) The APPEND command apparently covers parts of int 21h/6Ch even though
        Microsoft's 4.01 User's Reference says it covers only 0Fh, 23h, 2Dh,
        11h, 4Eh & 4Bh, some of those do require special switches. For 6Ch, it
        may be a function of the DX register. If DX=xx1x it looks only in the
        current directory, if DX=xx0x it will search the full append path. DX
        is called the open flag and gives what action to take if the file exits
        or does not exist.


Function  0B8h  Network
entry   AH      0B8h
        AL      00h     installation check
                return  AH      00h     not installed
                                <>0     installed
                        BH      00h
                        BL      installed component flags (test in this order
                           bits 0000100 server             according to PC-LAN)
                                0000100 messenger
                                0100000 receiver
                                1000000 redirector
(LANtastic)     return  AL      00h     neither redirector or server installed
                                0FFh    redirector or server installed
                        BL      bits indicating which software is installed
                               (both will be set when both software is running)
                                01000000b       server is installed
                                00001000b       redirector is installed
                01h     unknown
                02h     unknown
                03h     get current POST address
                return  ES:BX   POST address
                04h     set new POST address
                        ES:BX   new POST address
                note 1) When a POST address is set, it gets control on any
                        network event (message-received or network error).
                     2) Inputs to Message-Received Event Handler
                        entry   AH      00h
                                AL      00h     single block message
                                DS:SI   pointer to ASCIIZ originator name
                                DS:DI   pointer to ASCIIZ destination name
                                ES:BX   pointer to text header
                        entry   AH      00h
                                AL      01h     start multiple block message
                                DS:SI   pointer to ASCIIZ originator name
                                DS:DI   pointer to ASCIIZ destination name
                                CX      block group identifier
                        entry   AH      00h
                                AL      02h     multiple block text
                                CX      block group identifier
                                ES:BX   pointer to text header
                        entry   AH      00h
                                AL      03h     end multiple block message
                                CX      block group identifier
                        entry   AH      00h
                                AL      04h     message aborted due to error
                                CX      block group identifier
                        entry   AH      00h
                                AL      04h     message aborted due to error
                                CX      block group identifier
                        entry   AH      00h
                                AL      04h     message aborted due to error
                                CX      block group identifier
                return  AL      00h     user POST routine processed the message
                                01h     the network will process the message
                                0FFh    network will process message, but
                                        message window will not be displayed
                     2) Inputs to Network Critical Error Handler
                        entry   AH      01h
                                AL      01h     server received badly formatted
                                                network request
                        return  0FFh    network will process the error
                        entry   AH      01h
                                AL      02h     unexpected network error
                        return  00h     user POST routine handled error OK
                                01h     reissue network control block
                                0FFh    network will process the error
                        entry   AH      01h
                                AL      03h     server got DOS int 24h error
                        return  00h     user POST routine handled error OK
                                0FFh    network will process the error
                     3) Use an IRET to return from POST handler.
                     4) For multiple block messages, the application must
                        respond with the same AX value for all message blocks
                        in a single message group.
                     5) Text header format:
                        DW      length          ;length of text
                        DB      length dup(?)   ;text of message
                     6) Network event handlers should not user DOS FCB calls,
                        attempt to allocate memory, or terminate a running app.
                05h     unknown
                06h     unknown
                07h     unknown
                08h     unknown
                09h     version check
                return  AH      major version number
                        AL      minor version number
                note    The version numbers are returned in hexadecimal. For
                        example, version 2.52 would be:
                        AH      2
                        AL      34h (52 decimal)


Function  0C7h  Artisoft LANtastic AI-LANBIOS
note    This is the default entry point for the LANtastic NOS serial and
        parallel port drivers.


Function 0D44Dh 4DOS v3.01,+ Command Interpreter  (COMMAND.COM replacement)
entry   AX      0D44Dh  4DOS installation check
return  If 4DOS is present in memory the following values will be returned:
        AX      44DDh
        BH      minor 4DOS version number
        BL      major 4DOS version number (same format as DOS int 21h/fn 30h)
        CX      4DOS PSP segment address
        DL      4DOS shell number (0 for the first shell, 1 for the second,
                etc.; incremented each time a new copy of 4DOS is loaded over a
                root copy, either in a different multitasker window or via
                nested shells)
note 1) (excerpted from 4DOS 3.01 manual)
        4DOS now generates two different INT 2F calls to allow TSRs to
        tell when 4DOS is back at the prompt.  These calls have AX =
        D44Eh.  The first occurs immediately before displaying the
        prompt, with BX = 0; the second occurs after displaying the
        prompt and immediately before accepting keyboard input, with BX =
        1.  Any routine intercepting these calls should preserve at least
        the SI, DI, BP, SP, DS, ES, and SS registers.
     2) This function (440Dh) is only available in swapping mode.  It tells you
        if 4DOS is loaded in memory, but not whether it is the parent
        process of your program.  You can determine if 4DOS is the parent
        process by comparing the PSP value returned in CX to the PSP
        chain pointer at offset 16h in your program's PSP.


Function  0E3h  AnarKey    (keyboard command stack and alias program)
entry   AH      0E3h
        AL      00h     installation check
        return  AL      00h     not installed
                        0FFh    installed
note    (excerpted from the AnarKey documentation)
        Upon installation, ANARKEY hooks into two interrupts:
        1) Interrupt used to install program signature
                -DOS versions before 3.1 use one interrupt between 60h-67h
                -DOS 3.1 and later use interrupt 2Fh
        2) Interrupt 21h, function 0Ah
        Upon initial program execution, a program "signature" is installed which
        is used by ANARKEY to prevent itself from being installed more than
        once. Depending upon the DOS version, a different method of signature
        installation is performed.
         Under DOS 2.x thru 3.0, ANARKEY scans interrupt vectors 60h thru 67h
        searching for an unused vector (signified by a null value).  If an
        unused vector is found, ANARKEY takes it and installs its program
        signature there. If all the vectors are in use, ANARKEY does not
        install a program signature.
         Running DOS 3.1 and later, ANARKEY chains into interrupt 2Fh. By
        default, ANARKEY appropriates process number 0E3h.


Function  0F7h  AUTOPARK.COM  (PD TSR hard disk parking utility)
entry   AH      0F7h
        AL      00h     installation check
                return  AL      00h     not installed
                                0FFh    installed
        01h     set parking delay
                BX:CX   32 bit count of 55ms timer ticks
note    AUTOPARK is a TSR HD parker by Alan D. Jones.


Function        Intel Communicating Applications Standard (CAS 1.01A)
entry   AH              (default; CAS multiplex number can be user-adjusted)
        AL      00h     Get Installed State
                        return  AL      00h     not installed
                                        01h     not installed, not OK to install
                                        0FFh    installed
                        note    No errors are returned.
                01h     Submit a Task
                        DS:DX   ptr to ASCIIZ path and name of Task Control File
                        return  AX      positive event handle or neg. error code
                        note    Files associated with a task must stay in
                                existence until the task is complete or an
                                error will result.
                02h     Abort the Current Event
                        return  AX      event handle of aborted event or
                                        negative error code
                        note    Terminating an event is not instantaneous. It
                                might take up to 30 seconds.
                03h     reserved
                04h     reserved
                05h     Find First Entry in Queue
                        CX      Status of the event you are seeking. This value
                                is compared with the field at offset 2 of the
                                Control File
                                0 - event has successfully completed
                                1 - event is waiting to be processed
                                2 - number has been dialed
                                3 - connection has been made (sending)
                                4 - connection has been made (receiving)
                                5 - event was aborted
                               -1 - chooses an event without regard to status
                                    This value will probably be used most often
                                Other negative values match error codes in
                                Control File.
                        DH      direction:
                                0 - Search forward chronologically (from the
                                    first to the last occurring event)
                                1 - Search backward chronologically (from the
                                    last to the first occurring event)
                        DL      queue to search:
                                0 - Find first control file in Task Queue
                                1 - Find first control file in Receive Queue
                                2 - Find first control file in Log Queue
                        return  AX      0, if successful, or negative error code
                                BX      event handle for this file
                06h     Find Next Entry in Queue
                        DL      queue to search:
                                0 - Find next control file in Task Queue
                                1 - Find next control file in Receive Queue
                                2 - Find next control file in Log Queue
                        return  AX      0, if successful, or negative error code
                                BX      event handle for this file
                07h     Open a File
                        BX      event handle
                        CX      receive file number
                                0 - the Receive Control File
                                1 - first received file
                                2 - second received file
                                3 - third received file
                                n - nth received file
                        DL      queue:
                                0 - open control file in Task Queue
                                1 - open control file in Receive Queue or the
                                    received data
                 file specified in the CX register.
                                2 - Open control file in Log Queue.
                        return  AX      0 if successful, or negative error code
                                BX      DOS file handle for the requested file
                08h     Delete a File
                        BX      event handle
                        CX      receive file number
                                0 - delete all files associated with a specific
                                    Receive Control File (including the RCF)
                                1 - delete first received file associated with
                                    the event handle
                                2 - delete the second received file associated
                                    with the event handle.
                                n - delete the nth received file associated with
                                    the event handle
                        DL      queue:
                                0 - delete control file in Task Queue
                                1 - delete a file or files associated with an
                                    event in the Receive Queue.
                                2 - delete control file in Log Queue
                                    note   It is strongly recommended that this
                                    function NOT be used to delete individual
                                    Log Control Files to maintain the integrity
                                    of the log.
                        return  AX      0 if successful, or negative error code
                09h     Delete All Files (in a queue)
                        DL      queue:
                                0 - delete all control files in the Task Queue
                                1 - delete all control files in the Receive
                                    Queue and all received files
                                2 - delete all control files in the Log Queue
                        return  AX      0 if successful or negative error code
                0Ah     Get Event Date
                        BX      event handle of event whose date you want to get
                        DL      queue:
                                0 - task queue
                                1 - receive queue
                                2 - log queue
                        return  AX      0 if successful or negative error code
                                CX      year  (1980-2099)
                                DH      month (1-12)
                                DL      day   (1-31)
                0Bh     Set Task Date
                        BX      event handle
                        CX      year  (1980-2099)
                        DH      month (1-12)
                        DL      day   (1-31)
                        return  AX      0 if successful or negative error code
                0CH     Get Event Time
                        BX      event handle
                        DL      queue:
                                0 - task queue
                                1 - receive queue
                                2 - log queue
                        return  AX      0 if successful or negative error code
                                CH      hour    (0-23)
                                CL      minutes (0-59)
                                DH      seconds (0-59)
                                DL      0
                0DH     Set Task Time
                        BX      event handle
                        CH      hour    (0-23)
                        CL      minutes (0-59)
                        DH      seconds (0-59)
                        DL      unused
                        return  AX      0 if successful or negative error code
                0EH     Get External Data Block
                        DS:DX points to a 256-byte EDB area
                        return  AX      0 if successful or negative error code
                        note    EDB area is filled with the External Data Block
                                block format: (values in decimal)
                              Offset Length        Description
                                 0    1    CAS major version number
                                 1    1    CAS minor version number
                                 2    68   ASCIIZ path to directory containing
                                           Resident Manager and CAS software.
                                           The path must end with a backslash
                                 70   13   ASCIIZ name of current phonebook
                                           (the CAS subdirectory is assumed)
                                 83   13   AZCIIZ name of current logo file
                                           (the CAS subdirectory is assumed)
                                 96   32   ASCIIZ default sender name
                                 128  21   ASCIIZ CSID (CCITT fax device ID)
                                 149  107  Reserved
                0Fh     Get/Set Autoreceive State
                        DL      function code:
                                0 - get current autoreceive state
                                1 - set current state to value in DH
                                DH      # rings before answer or 0 to disable
                        return  AX      current state or negative error code
                                        0 - Autoreceive disabled
                                        positive # - # rings before hdw answers
                10h     Get Current Event Status
                        DS:DX   pointer to a 444 byte status area
                        return  AX      0 if successful or negative error code
                                BX      number of the current event (AX=0)
                11h     Get Queue Status
                        DL      queue:
                                0 - find status of Task Queue
                                1 - find status of Receive Queue
                                2 - find status of Log Queue
                        return  AX      # changes to queue since Resident
                                        Manager started or negative error code
                                        If changes exceeds 7FFFH, the count
                                        begins again at 0.
                                BX      current # of Control Files in queue
                                CX      current # of received files
                12h     Get Hardware Status
                        DS:DX   pointer to a 128-byte status area
                        return  AX      0 if successful, negative if not
                        DS:DX   pointer to filled 128-byte status area
                13h     Run Diagnostics
                        DL      Mode
                                0 - report progress of diagnostics
                                1 - start running diagnostics
                        return  if DL=1, AX=0 or a negative error code.
                                if DL=0, AX=40h or positive number indicating
                                         diagnostics passed. A negative value
                                         indicates failure and containes the
                                         error code
                14h     Move Received File
                        BX      event handle
                        CX      receive file number
                                (must be nonzero to specify a received file)
                                1 - first received file
                                2 - second received file
                                3 - third received file
                                n - nth received file
                        DS:DX   pointer to new ASCIIZ pathname and filename.
                                This file must not exist already
                        return  AX      0 if successful or negative error code
                        note    The path to the new directory must exist.
                                This function cannot create directories.
                15h     Submit a Single File to Send
                        DS:DX   pointer to variable-length data area
                        return  AX      positive event handle or neg. error code
                        note 1) variable-length data area format:
                             Offset Length    Description
                                0    1    Transfer type:
                                          0 - 200x200 dpi, facsimile mode
                                          1 - 100x200 dpi, facsimile mode
                                          2 - file transfer mode
                                          3-127 - Reserved.
                                1    1    Text size (if ASCII file, fax mode)
                                          0 - 80-column
                                          1 - 132-column
                                          2-127 - reserved
                                2    2    time to send, in DOS file time format
                                4    2    date to send, in DOS file time format
                                          note: Setting both the time and date
                                          fields to 0 schedules the file to be
                                          sent immediately
                                6    32   ASCIIZ Destination Name  (To: field)
                                38   80   ASCIIZ pathname of the file to send
                                118  47   ASCIIZ phone number to call
                                165  64   ASCIIZ application-specific tag field
                                229  1    reserved; set to zero
                                230  1    cover page flag:
                                          0 - don't send cover page
                                          1 - send cover page
                                          2-127 - Reserved
                                231  23   reserved; set to zero
                                254  var  ASCIIZ cover text (if offset 230=1)
                             2) The individual fields have the same meaning as
                                in a Task Control File
                             3) You must set all fields, except for the Appli-
                                cation-Specific Tag field, before calling this
                                function. However, you can set the Destination
                                Name and Cover Text fields to an empty string
                16h-80h Reserved by Intel for future expansion



DOS 2Fh functions 01h (PRINT), 02h (ASSIGN), 10h (SHARE):
return  AX      Error
                Codes       Description
                01h     invalid function number
                02h     file not found
                03h     path not found
                04h     too many open files
                05h     access denied
                06h     invalid handle
                08h     queue full
                09h     busy
                0Ch     name too long
                0Fh     invalid drive was specified
        CF      clear (0) if OK
                set   (1) if error - error returned in AX
note 1) The multiplex numbers AH=0h through AH=7Fh are reserved for DOS.
        Applications should use multiplex numbers 80h through 0FFh.
     2) When in the chain for int 2Fh, if your code calls DOS or if you execute
        with interrupts enabled, your code must be reentrant/recursive.
     3) Important! In versions of DOS prior to 3.0, the int 2Fh vector was
        initialized to zero rather than being pointed into the DOS service area.
        You must initialize this vector manually under DOS 2.x.



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Miscellaneous Interrupts - in numeric order                                 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 30h   FAR jump instruction for CP/M-style calls ............. 5**15│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) The CALL 5 entry point does a FAR jump to here  (not a vector!)
     2) PC-Tools PC-Cache 5.1 hooks this vector on XTs but not on ATs.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 31h   Unknown ............................................... 5**16│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    PC-Tools PC-Cache 5.1 hooks this vector on ATs but not on XTs.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 32h   Unknown ............................................... 5**17│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 33h   Used by Microsoft Mouse Driver Function Calls ......... 5**18│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    See Chapter 14 for mouse programming.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 34h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**19│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    This interrupt emulates opcode 0D8h.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 35h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**20│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    This interrupt emulates opcode 0D9h.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 36h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**21│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    This interrupt emulates opcode 0DAh.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 37h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**22│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    This interrupt emulates opcode 0DBh.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 38h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**23│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) This interrupt emulates opcode 0DCh.
     2) PC-MOS/386 versions prior to 4.00 use this interrupt to interface
        with the PC-MOS API. Version 4.00 and later use int 0D4h for the API.
        See the Chapter 13 for the PC-MOS API.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 39h   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**24│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    This interrupt emulates opcode 0DDh.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 3Ah   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**25│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    This interrupt emulates opcode 0DEh.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 3Bh   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**26│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    This interrupt emulates opcode 0DFh.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 3Ch   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**27│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    This interrupt emulates instructions with an ES segment override.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 3Dh   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**28│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    This interrupt emulates a standalone FWAIT instruction


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 3Eh   Turbo C/Microsoft languages - Floating Point emulation  5**29│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Unknown.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 3Fh   Overlay Manager Interrupt (Microsoft LINK.EXE) ........ 5**30│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) Default overlay manager interrupt; may be changed with LINK command
        line switch. (Microsoft/IBM LINK.EXE)
     2) The Microsoft Dynamic Link Library manager uses this interrupt.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 40h   Hard Disk BIOS ........................................ 5**31│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                Pointer to disk BIOS entry when a hard disk controller is
                installed. The BIOS routines use int 30h to revector the
                diskette handler (original int 13h) here so int 40h may be
                used for hard disk control.
note 1) Keyboard interrupt for DEC Rainbow.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 41h   Hard Disk Parameters .................................. 5**32│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                Pointer to first Hard Disk Parameter Block, normally located
                in the controller card's ROM. This table may be copied to RAM
                and changed, and this pointer revectored to the new table.
note 1) XT, AT,XT/2, XT/286, PS/2 except ESDI disks
     2) format of parameter table is:
        word    cylinders
        byte    heads
        word    starting reduced write current cylinder (XT only, 0 for others)
        word    starting write pre-comp cylinder
        byte    maximum ECC burst length
        byte    control byte
           bits 0-2     drive option (XT only, 0 for others)
                3       set if more than 8 heads
                4       always 0
                5       set if manufacturer's defect map on max cylinder+1
                6       disable ECC retries
                7       disable access retries
        byte    standard timeout (XT only, 0 for others)
        byte    formatting timeout (XT only, 0 for others)
        byte    timeout for checking drive (XT only, 0 for others)
        word    landing zone    (AT, PS/2)
        byte    sectors/track   (AT, PS/2)
        byte    0  (zeroes)
     3) normally vectored to ROM table when system is initialized.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 42h   Pointer to screen BIOS entry .......................... 5**33│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                Used by EGA, VGA, PS/2.
                Relocated (by EGA, etc.) video handler (original int 10h).
                Revectors int 10 (BIOS video) calls to EGA BIOS.
                Also used by Zenith Z-100.
                MCT (Modular Circuit Technology, Taiwan) 4-drive floppy
                  controller revectors int 13h to here.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 43h   Pointer to EGA Graphics Character Table ............... 5**34│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                The POST initializes this vector pointing to the default table
                located in the EGA ROM BIOS. (PC-2 and up). Not initialized if
                EGA not present.
                 This vector was referred to (mistakenly) as the Video
                Parameters table in the original EGA BIOS listings.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 44h   Pointer to graphics character table ................... 5**35│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0110h)       This table contains the dot patterns for the first 128
                characters in video modes 4,5, and 6, and all 256 characters
                in all additional graphics modes. Not initialized if EGA not
                present.
note 1) EGA/VGA/CONV/PS - EGA/PCjr fonts, characters 00h to 7Fh.
     2) Novell NetWare - High-Level Language API.
     3) Also used by Zenith Z-100.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 45h   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**36│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Also used by Zenith Z-100, purpose unknown.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 46h   Pointer to second hard disk parameter block ........... 5**37│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                AT, XT/286, PS/2
                (see int 41h) (except ESDI hard disks) (not initialized unless
                specific user software calls for it)
                also used by Zenith Z-100


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 47h   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**38│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 48h   Cordless Keyboard Translation ......................... 5**39│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0120h)       This vector points to code to translate the cordless keyboard
                scancodes into normal 83-key values. The translated scancodes
                are then passed to int 9. (not initialized on PC or AT)
                This is valid on the IBM PCjr only. IBM built a number of
                prototype XT/2 machines with infrared keyboards which were
                later sold through salvage outlets, but this was never a
                production option.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 49h   Non-keyboard Scan Code Translation Table Address (PCjr) 5**40│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:0124h)       PCjr translate table, TI Pro video


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 4Ah   Real-Time Clock Alarm (Convertible, PS/2, EISA) ....... 5**41│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                (not initialized on PC or AT)
                Invoked by PS/2 and Convertible BIOS when real-time clock
                  alarm occurs.
                Used by TI Professional PC for keyboard DSR interface
                  (keyboard BIOS interrupt)
                  Functions for AH=0, 1, 2 and 5 are identical to IBM's int 16h.
note    When the RTC alarm function is activated it will generate an interrupt
        4Ah at the time specified by the previous int 1Ah/06h alarm call.
        The calling program must point the 4Ah vector to an alarm processing
        routine before setting the alarm with int 1Ah/06h.  It must also
        cancel the alarm and resture the 1Ah vector to its original value
        before returning to DOS.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 4Bh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**42│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
        Used by IBM Micro Channel SCSI hard disk controllers.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 4Ch   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**43│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 4Dh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**44│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 4Eh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**45│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Used instead of int 13h for disk I/O on TI Professional PC.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 4Fh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**46│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 50-57 IRQ0-IRQ7 Relocation .................................. 5**47│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) Normally not initialized.
     2) IRQ0-IRQ7 relocated by DesQview.
     3) IRQ0-IRQ7 relocated by IBM 3278 Emulation Control Program.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 58h   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**48│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 59h   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**49│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
        GSS Computer Graphics Interface (GSS*CGI)
entry   DS:DX   pointer to block of 5 array pointers
return  CF      clear
                AX      return code
        CF      set
                AX      error code
note 1) Int 59h is the means by which GSS*CGI language bindings communicate
        with GSS*CGI device drivers and the GSS*CGI device driver controller.
     2) Also used by the IBM Graphic Development Toolkit.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 5Ah   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized)  ................... 5**50│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    IBM Cluster Adapter BIOS entry address.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 5Bh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**51│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Used by IBM Cluster Adapter.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 5Ah   Cluster Adapter BIOS entry address .................... 5**52│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Normally not initialized.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 5Bh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**53│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Used by cluster adapter?


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 5Ch   NETBIOS interface entry port, TOPS .................... 5**54│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) See Chapter 13 for information on network programming.
     2) The Texas Instruments Professional PC (TI Pro) uses 5Ch for the Pause
        key on the keyboard. The TI BIOS allows any user routine to execute
        from the Pause interrupt as long as it eventually returns.
     3) Used by Windows/386 by Virtual Machine routines.
     4) Used by Novell Netware 2.0.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 5Dh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**55│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    The Texas Instruments Professional PC (TI Pro) uses 5Ch for the
        keyboard services.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 5Eh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**56│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    TI Professional PC - Program Break.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 5Fh   Reserved by IBM  (not initialized) .................... 5**57│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    TI Professional PC - Keyboard queueing.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 60h-67h  User Program Interrupts ............................ 5**58│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) Available for general use.
     2) Some Adaptec hard disk controllers used these interrupts. Models and
        usages unknown.
     3) Various major programs make standardized use of this group of
        interrupts. Details of common use follows:


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 60h   User Program Interrupt ................................ 5**59│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) Used by 10-Net Network OS Interface.
     2) Used by FTP Driver - PC/TCP Packet Driver Specification.
     3) See Chapter 13 for network programming calls.
     4) Used by TOPS netork (TTALK.EXE).
     5) The 2-The-Max VGA-16 board TSR zoom utility uses this interrupt by
        default.  (see int 61h for details)
     6) Versa-Spool print spooler revectors int 17h to here when installing
        its own 17h handler. (see int 61h also)
     7) Some older OMTI and Adaptec hard disk controllers used the interrupts
        from 60h to 63h as 16 bytes of scratch RAM.
     8) Used by GDOSMEM Windows TSR skeleton.
        entry   AX      GTSR Identification #
                BX      00h     GTSR Installation Check
        return  BX      GTSR Identification #

        entry   AX      GTSR Identification #
                BX      01h     GTSR Increment WORD in CX:DX
                CX      Segment => WORD
                DX      Offset  => WORD
        return  none
     9) Used by TDOSMEM Windows TSR skeleton.
        entry   AX      TTSR Identification #
                BX      00h     GTSR Installation Check
        return  BX      GTSR Identification #
                CX      Segment => local WORD
                DX      Offset  => local WORD

        entry   AX      TTSR Identification #
                BX      01h     GTSR Increment WORD in CX:DX
        return  none


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 61h  User Interrupt ......................................... 5**  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
     1) Default interrupt used by Chris Dunford's PCED 2.0 API.
     2) Used by Mike Geary's DENYNONE.ASM SHARE.EXE controller.

        Function  00h   Get Current Mode Value
        entry   AH      00h
        return  AL      current mode value

        Function  01h   Set New Open-Mode Value
        entry   AH      01h
                AL      new value to set
        return  none

     3) The 2-The-Max VGA-16 board TSR zoom utility uses this interrupt by
        default.

        Function  00h   Zoom
        entry   AX      0000h
                BX      zoom factor (0-7x)
        return  none

        Function  01h   Center Zoomed Window
        entry   AX      0001h
                BX      x coordinate to center
                CX      y coordinate to center
        return  none
        note    'x' and 'y' will be positioned as close to the center of the
                display as possible.

        Function  02h   End Zoom
        entry   AX      0002h
        return  none
        note    Restores screen to original state.

        Function  03h   Report Zoom
        entry   AX      0003h
        return  AX      zoom factor (0-7)

        Function  04h   Enter Specify Mode
        entry   AX      0004h
        return  none
        note    This mode is entered whenever the predefined hotkey is pressed.

        Function  05h   Query Zoom Window
        entry   AX      0005h
                BX      segment address of return argument array
                CX      offset address of return argument array
        return  BX:CX   14 byte array
                        offset[0]  x start of zoom window
                              [1]  y start of zoom window
                              [2]  x end of zoom window
                              [3]  y end of zoom window
                              [4]  current zoom factor
                              [5]  zoom offset start x
                              [6]  zoom offset start y

        Function  06h   Set Zoom Window
        entry   AX      0006h
                BX      segment address of window coordinate array
                CX      offset address of window coordinate array
        return  BX:CX   array
                        offset[0]  x start of zoom window
                              [1]  y start of zoom window
                              [2]  x end of zoom window
                              [3]  y end of zoom window
     4) Versa-Spool print spooler revectors int 1Ch to here when installing
        its own 1Ch handler.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 63h  User Program Interrupt                                        │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
This interrupt is used by Novell NetWare v2.0.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 64h  User Program Interrupt                                        │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
This interrupt is used by Novell NetWare IPX versions 1.02-2.0 TBMI.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 65h  User Program Interrupt                                        │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
This interrupt is used by Novell NetWare v2.0.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 67h   User Program Interrupt ................................ 5**60│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) Used by Lotus-Intel-Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification 3.1 and
        higher. (EMS and LIM)
     2) Used by Ashton-Tate/Quadram/AST Enhanced Expanded Memory Specification
        3.1 and higher. (EEMS)
     3) Used by Phar Lap/Quarterdeck VCPI v1.0.
     4) See Chapter 10 for EMS/EEMS programming information.
     5) The Advance Digital PC Slave board (also marketed by Alloy) contains
        its own 8mHz 8086, up to 768K of on-card memory and a built-in
        monochrome monitor adapter, communicating with an RS232 terminal at
        19.2KBaud. Their operating system is an adaptation of MSDOS 2.11
        called RTNX or ATNX. ?TNX uses interrupt 67h for record locking,
        using an "interrupt 67h semaphore" system in which a data record
        access must be preceded by a call to int 67h with a string that
        contains a filename and a record number to lock.
     6) Some Adaptec hard disk controllers have problems related to their
        use of int 67h. Supposedly the Adaptec can be made to use a driver
        instead of ROM. The driver is generated by running the ROM program
        at C800:5 and this fixes the problem. Apparently this driver is
        called ADAPTEC.DRV. Check with Adaptec if you suspect a problem.
     7) IBM issued a known bug report listing a fault in DOS 4.0's network
        handling within IBMBIO.COM. The exact wording of the report is:
        UR22624  IR79404   WAIT       IBMBIO   INT 2FH for INT 67H causes hang


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 68h   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**61│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) APPC/PC Network Interface. See Chapter 13.
     2) Some Toshiba laptop hard disk controllers use this interrupt.
     3) Used by HDTest to communicate with BIOS entry point.
     4) Used by Mike Geary's EGA720.ASM (forces EGA into 720x348 mode)


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 69h   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**62│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 6Ah   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**63│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Used by SLR System's OPTHELP.COM, a TSR help system for their OPTASM
        assembler. OPTHELP may be configured to interrupts from 60h to 7Fh.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 6Bh   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**64│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 6Ch   System Resume Vector (Convertible) .................... 5**65│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) This vector is not initialized on the PC, XT, or jr.
     2) DOS 3.2 Realtime Clock update uses this interrupt.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 6Dh   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**66│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Used internally by VGA adapter -  IBM, Paradise, Video 7, NCR


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 6Eh   Not Used  (not initialized) ........................... 5**67│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘



┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 6Fh   10-Net API............................................. 5**68│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) See Chapter 13 for information on the 10-Net API.
     2) HP ES-12 Extended BIOS
        a) Read CMOS Memory
        entry   AH      22h
                BL      address of CMOS byte to read
                BP      0012h
        return  AH      status
                AL      byte read
                BP, DS  destroyed
        b) Write CMOS Memory
        entry   AH      24h
                AL      new value
                BL      address of CMOS byte to write
                BP      0012h
        return  AH      status
                BP, DS  destroyed
     3) Novell NetWare - PCOX API (3270 PC terminal interface).


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 70h   IRQ 8, Real Time Clock Interrupt (AT, XT/286, PS/2) ... 5**69│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

        This interrupt services the real-time clock hardware.  The hardware
        supports 2 modes of operation, an interrupt at a specific 24 hour
        interval (i.e 9:42 am), or repeatedly every 0.976 ms (1,024 kHz).
        Both modes can operate at the same time if needed.

        In the 24 hour alarm mode, the interrupt is vectored here by hardware
        and interrupt 4Ah is called to alert the application program of the
        alarm. Int 4Ah is not handled by the BIOS other than to return, and
        is normally revectored by a particular application using the alarm.

        When repeating interrupt mode is active, the 32-bit microsecond
        counter consisting of timer_clk_low and timer_clk_hi is decremented
        by 976 us on every interrupt.  When the timer reaches zero, the
        byte pointed to by the offset @timer_wait_off and and segment
        @timer_wait_seg is set to 80h (this pointer is set by an application
        program through int 1Ah function ah=6).

        The Motorola MC146818A real time clock chip, or its equivalent, can be
        programmed to generate the real time clock interrupt (int 70h)
        approximately 1024 times per second. The BIOS Real Time Clock ISR is
        invoked on each real time clock interrupt. Only AT BIOSs support the
        Real Time Clock ISR.

        The BIOS initializes the int 70h vector to address F000:5124h.

        Three AT BIOS functions interface with the int 70h Real Time Clock ISR.
        These are:
                int 15h, AH 83h   Event Wait Interval
                int 15h, AH 86h   Wait
                int 1Ah, AH 06h   Set User Alarm


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 71h   IRQ 9, Redirected to IRQ 8 (AT, XT/286, PS/2) ......... 5**70│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    LAN Adapter 1 (rerouted to int 0Ah [IRQ2] by BIOS).


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 72h   IRQ 10  (AT, XT/286, PS/2)  Reserved .................. 5**71│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Hardware servicer (called by hardware 8259-2, IRQ 10).


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 73h   IRQ 11  (AT, XT/286, PS/2)  Reserved .................. 5**72│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Hardware servicer (called by hardware 8259-2, IRQ 11).


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 74h   IRQ 12  Mouse Interrupt (PS/2) ........................ 5**73│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Hardware servicer (called by hardware 8259-2, IRQ 12).


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 75h   IRQ 13, Coprocessor Error (AT) ........................ 5**74│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) BIOS redirects math coprocessor errors to int 2 (NMI).
     2) The math co-processor 80287 invokes this interrupt. Int 75h calls the
        non-maskable interrupt int 2 to halt the system. (80287 is not used if
        this vector is left pointing here). Programs which use the 80287 must
        re-vector this interrupt to use the 80287.
     3) Under DOS 3.2, this interrupt is routed through the DOS interrupt stack
        pool like device interrupts. However, coprocessor exceptions generally
        do not resume via IRET and this fill the interrupt pool (stacks
        allocated and never deallocated) on exceptions. Microsoft has a patch
        available for DOS 3.2.
     4) Weitek ABACUS x167 math coprocessor exception handler shares this
        interrupt with Intel 80x87 if present.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 76h   IRQ 14, Hard Disk Controller (AT, XT/286, PS/2) ....... 5**75│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) Called by hardware 8259-2 IRQ 14.
     2) When the hard disk controller has completed its task, it signals
        completion though hardware activation of int 76h. The status in
        hdsk_int_flags is set to "done", a value of 0FFh. Int 15/fn91h may also
        be called to signal the interrupt is done.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 77h   IRQ 15 (AT, XT/286, PS/2)  Reserved ................... 5**76│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Future services (called by hardware 8259-2 IRQ 15).


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 78h   Not Used .............................................. 5**77│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) Used by Novell Netware 2.0 - non-dedicated shell.
     2) DESQview uses ints 78h-7Fh for itself to revector the 8259 interrupt
        controllers.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 79h   Not Used .............................................. 5**78│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

note 1) Used by LAN:Datacore runtimes for BASIC and C by Lanquest Group in
        releases after late '86.
     2) Used by AutoCAD 2.5/2.6 ADI Digitizer interface (default).


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 7Ah   Reserved .............................................. 5**79│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) Novell NetWare - Low-Level API APX, versions 2.0a+.  See Chapter 13.
     2) AutoCAD Device Interface, used by various video boards.
     3) IBM 3270 Emulator program.
     4) Also used by early versions of "File Access Utility" by Automated
        Insurance Resource Systems. AIRS changed to a different interrupt in
        late '86 to eliminate conflict with Novell.
     5) Used by LAN:Datacore runtimes for BASIC and C by Lanquest Group in
        versions 2.5 and higher before late '86. Lanquest changed to int 79h
        to prevent Novell conflict.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 7Bh-7Eh  Not Used by IBM .................................... 5**80│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
        Btrieve API
entry   register unknown
        functions:
        00h     open
        01h     close
        02h     insert
        03h     update
        04h     delete
        05h     get_equal
        06h     get_next
        07h     get_prev
        08h     get_greater
        09h     get_gr_eql
        0Ah     get_less
        0Bh     get_less_eq
        0Ch     get_first
        0Dh     get_last
        0Eh     create
        0Fh     stat
        10h     extend
        11h     set_dir: set directory information
        12h     get_dir: get directory information
        13h     begin_trans
        14h     end_trans
        15h     abort_trans
        16h     get_pos: get record position number
        17h     get_direct: get data by sending record position
        18h     step_direct
        19h     stop
        1Ah     version
        1Bh     unlock
        1Ch     reset
return  unknown
note    Btrieve sets low byte of vector to 33h; this serves as the installation
        check.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 7Fh   IBM 8514/A Graphics Adapter API ....................... 5**82│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) 59 8514/A API functions available (HDILOAD.EXE) parameters unknown.
     2) Used by second copy of COMMAND set with SHELL=.
     3) Not used by COMMAND /C at DOS prompt.
     4) The IBM RTIC (Real Time Interface Coprocessor) Multiport (and
        Multiport/2) use int 7Fh as a method of communication between the
        system-unit resident interrupt handler and the RTIC card's operating
        system. There is a convention for using it in which register AX
        contains the signature of the handler that should handle the interrupt.
        Some signatures are:
                AX    0200h    is a call to the current task dispatcher
                               (from the BTRIEVE application interface).
                AX    0101h    is a call from an application to the RTIC
                               function request mechanism.
                AX    0FEEDh   is a call from the ICAINTH.SYS interrupt handler.
     5) MultiLink Advanced (a custom version of PC-MOS/386), versions 3.03 and
        higher, from The Software Link, Inc.
        Function  02h   Invoke user interface (multitasking DOS shell)
        entry   AH      02h
                AL      00h
        return  unknown
        Function  0Dh   Set new spooler parameters
        entry   AH      0Dh
                AL      ASCII code for disposition (D,S,H,N)
                BH      ASCII code for priority    (0-9)
                BL      ASCII code for class       (A-Z)
        return  AL      Error
                        00h     OK
                        01h     no spooler installed
                        02h     invalid request
        Function  0Eh   Get spooler parameters
        entry   AH      0Eh
        return  AL      01h     if no spooler installed, otherwise:
                AL      ASCII code for disposition (D,S,H,N)
                BH      ASCII code for priority    (0-9)
                BL      ASCII code for class       (A-Z)
     6) There have been mentions of assorted other little-known programs using
        this interrupt. In view of its use by DOS and the increasingly-popular
        8514/A adapter, it would probably be wise to avoid int 7Fh for
        aftermarket application software.
     7) Also used by IBM HLLAPI.
     8) Used internally by later versions of Tom Mack's RBBS-PC BBS system.
     9) Used by Novell Netware 2.0+ to switch non-dedicated shell to console
        mode.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 80h-85h  Reserved by BASIC .................................. 5**83│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Interrupts 80h through 0ECh are apparently unused and not initialized
        in most clone systems. Not known if GWBASIC or MBASIC use any of these
        interrupts.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 80h   Novell Netware 2.0 .................................... 5**  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 81h   Novell Netware 2.0 .................................... 5**  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 82h   Reserved by BASIC ..................................... 5**  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) Used in some early versions of NEC Multispeed laptop for ROM
        application management.
     2) Used by Pecan Software's Pascal compiler (P-system).


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 81h   Used by Proteon Network ............................... 5**  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 86h   Int 18 when relocated by NETBIOS ...................... 5**84│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 86h-0F0h  Used by BASIC when BASIC interpreter is running ... 5**85│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0A0h-0D0h  TI Professional - free interrupt pool ............ 5**  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0A4h  Right Hand Man API .................................... 5**86│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
entry   AH      RHM function  (unknown)
return  unknown
note    Right-Hand Man is a shareware TSR desktop utility similar to SideKick.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  0D4h PC-MOS/386 API ........................................ 5**87│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    This interrupt is used for access to the PC-MOS/386 4.x operating
        system's user API. Previous versions of the OS used interrupt 38h.
        See Chapter 13 for API programming information.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  0E0h Digital Research CP/M-86 function calls ............... 5**88│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) Lotus 123 Release 2 reportedly alters the int 0E0h vector during
        operation and leaves it pointing somewhere in the TPA on exit.
        Perhaps used by the mysterious Lotus add-on program hook?
     2) Used by Digital Research CP/M-86, Concurrent CP/M and Concurrent DOS
        API entry points. Values are typicall passed in the DX register and
        returned in the AX register.
     3) Used by Larry Himes PD TBACK background timeslicer for DOS. (very old)
     4) Used by American Data Technology SmartFAX products.
entry   AH      20h     Send FAX
        AL      02h     for FAX format file
                03h     for ASCII format file
        CH      number of redials (0-9). Defaults to 9 if input out of range.
        CL      backoff time (1-99). 1 unit is 15 sec, value is set to 99
                if out of range
        DS:DX   input filename (ASCII). 20 bytes max.
        DX:BX   dial number. Speed dial number is allowed
return  AL      (if bit 7 set)  number of files transmitted
                (bit 7 not set) 0FFh    file not found
                                0FEh    no dial tone
                                0FDh    line busy or non-FAX tone
                                0FCh    other error
entry   AH      21h     reserved

entry   AH      22h     Auto/Manual Transmission Toggle
        AL      00h     switch to Auto mode (default)
                01h     switch to Manual mode
return  none

entry   AH      23h     Set Manual Receive Mode
        AL      00h     switch to Auto mode (default)
                01h     switch to Manual mode. SmartFAX will not answer phone
return  none

entry   AH      24h     Send FAX Handshake to Remote
note    No other parameters are necessary. No returns.

entry   AH      25h     Enable/Disable Background Task for Spooling
        AL      00h     enabled background operation. Program will put the
                        received data in the 80188 to spool.
                01h     disables background operation. Does not spool data.
                        Data can be recovered by fns 26h and 27h.
return  none

entry   AH      26h     Check 80188 Buffer
        AX      data length
        BL      00h     some data of the same page appears in the next buffer
                01h     end of page, more to follow
                02h     end of page, last page

entry   AH      27h     Get Data from 80188 Buffer
        DS:DX   pointer to buffer to be saved, minimum size 12Kb.
return  AX      data length
        BL      00h     some data of the same page appears in the next buffer
                01h     end of page, more to follow
                02h     end of page, last page

entry   AH      28h     Reset After Receive
note    Resets SmartFAX for next call. No other parameters.

entry   AH      29h     Enable/Disable Communication Function
        AL      00h     enable communication
                01h     disable communication
note    In disable mode, SmartFAX will not send or receive.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  0E1h PC Cluster Program .................................... 5**89│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    This is a pointer to the disk server data table.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt  0E2h PC Cluster Program .................................... 5**90│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Interrupt 1Ch is revectored to here.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0E4h  Logitech Modula-2 v2.0   Monitor Entry ................ 5**91│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
entry   AX      05h     monitor entry
                06h     monitor exit
        BX      priority
return  unknown


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0E5h  Not Used .............................................. 5**92│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0E6h  Not Used .............................................. 5**93│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Used by PKzip file compressor.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0E7h  Not Used .............................................. 5**94│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0E8h  Not Used .............................................. 5**95│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0E9h  Not Used .............................................. 5**96│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0EAh  Not Used .............................................. 5**97│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0EBh  Not Used .............................................. 5**98│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0ECh  Not Used .............................................. 5**99│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0EDh  Not Used ............................................. 5**100│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0EEh  Not Used ............................................. 5**101│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0EFh  GEM interface (Digital Research) ..................... 5**102│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
entry   CX      0473h
        DS:DX   pointer to GEM parameter block
note    no other parameters are known


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0F0h  unknown .............................................. 5**103│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    1) Used by secondary copy of COMMAND when SHELL= set.
        2) Not used by COMMAND /C at DOS prompt.
        3) Used by BASIC while in interpreter.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupts 0F1h-0FFh  (absolute addresses 3C4h-3FFh) ................. 5**104│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    Location of Interprocess Communications Area.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0F4h  Not Used ............ ................................ 5**105│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0F5h  Not Used ............ ................................ 5**106│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0F8h  Set Shell Interrupt (OEM) ............................ 5**107│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                Set OEM handler for int 21h calls from 0F9h through 0FFh
entry   AH      0F8h
        DS:DX   pointer to handler for Functions 0F9h thru 0FFh
note 1) To reset these calls, pass DS and DX with 0FFFFh. DOS is set up to
        allow ONE handler for all 7 of these calls. Any call to these handlers
        will result in the carry bit being set and AX will contain 1 if they are
        not initialized. The handling routine is passed all registers just as
        the user set them. The OEM handler routine should be exited through an
        IRET.
     2) 10 ms interval timer (Tandy?)


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0F9h  Reserved ............................................. 5**108│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    First of 8 SHELL service codes, reserved for OEM shell (WINDOW); use
        like HP Vectra user interface?


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0FAh  USART ready (RS-232C) ................................ 5**109│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0FBh  USART RS ready (keyboard) ............................ 5**110│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0FCh  Unknown ...............................................5**111│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0FDh  reserved for user interrupt .......................... 5**112│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0FEh  reserved by IBM ...................................... 5**113│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note    AT/XT286/PS50+ - vector destroyed by return from protected mode.


┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 0FFh  reserved by IBM ...................................... 5**114│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
note 1) AT/XT286/PS50+ - vector destroyed by return from protected mode.
     2) Zenith Z-100 (S-100 bus MSDOS) warm boot.



       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams
                        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                        │ Shareware Version, 03/16/92 │
                        │  Please Register Your Copy  │
                        └─────────────────────────────┘


                             C H A P T E R   S I X

                       DOS CONTROL BLOCKS AND WORK AREAS


 Contrary to popular belief, DOS is not limited to 640k of work space. This
constraint is enforced by the mapping of ROM and video RAM into the default 1
megabyte CPU address space. Some MSDOS compatible machines, such as the Sanyo
55x series, can have as much as 768k of contiguous DOS workspace with the
appropriate option boards. Since DOS has no real memory management, it cannot
deal with a fragmented workspace. Fragmented RAM (such as RAM mapped into the
option ROM address space) can be dealt with as a RAMdisk or other storage area
by using a device driver or other software.

 The 80386 CPU and appropriate control software can create a DOS workspace of
more than one megabyte. Certain add-on boards can also add more than a
megabyte of workspace, but only for specially written software. Since these
are all proprietary schemes, little information is availible at present.

 When DOS loads a program, it first sets aside a section of memory for the
program called the program segment, or code segment. Then it constructs a
control block called the program segment prefix, or PSP, in the first 256
(100h) bytes. Usually, the program is loaded directly after the PSP at 100h.
 The PSP contains various information used by DOS to help run the program.
The PSP is always located at offset 0 within the code segment. When a program
recieves control certain registers are set to point to the PSP. For a COM
file, all registers are set to point to the beginning of the PSP and the
program begins at 100h. For the more complex EXE file structures, only DS and
ES registers are set to point to the PSP. The linker passes the settings for
the DS, IP, SS, and SP registers and may set the starting location in CS:IP to
a location other than 100h.

 IBMBIO provides an IRET instruction at absolute address 847h for use as a
dummy routine for interrupts that are not used by DOS. This lets the interrupts
do nothing until their vectors are rerouted to their appropriate handlers.

 A storage block is used by DOS to record the amount and location of allocated
memory within the machine's address space.
 A storage block, a Program Segment Prefix, and an environment area are built
by DOS for each program currently resident in the address space. The storage
block is used by DOS to record the address range of memory allocated to a
program. It is used by DOS to find the next availible area to load a program
and to determine if there is enough memory to run that porogram. When a
memory area is in use, it is said to be allocated. Then the program ends, or
releases memory, it is said to be deallocated.
 A storage block contains a pointer to the Program Segment Prefix associated
with each program. This control block is constructed by IBMDOS for the purpose
of providing standardized areas for DOS/program communication. Within the
PSP are areas which  are used to save interrupt vectors, pass parameters to
the program, record disk directory information, and to buffer disk reads and
writes. This control block is 100h bytes in length and is followed by the
program module loaded by DOS.
 The PSP contains a pointer to the environment area for that program. This
area contains a copy of the current DOS SET, PROMPT, COMSPEC, and PATH values
as well as any user-set variables. The program may examine and modify this
information as desired.
 Each storage block is 10h bytes long, although only 5 bytes are currently
used by DOS. The first byte contains 4Dh (a capital M) to indicate that it
contains a pointer to the next storage block. A 5Ah (a capital Z) in the
first byte of a storage block indicatres there are no more storage blocks
following this one (it is the end of the chain). The identifier byte is
followed by a 2 byte segment number for the associated PSP for that program.
The next 2 bytes contain the number of segments what are allocated to the
program. If this is not the last storage block, then another storage block
follows the allocated memory area.
 When the storage block contains zero for the number of allocated segments,
then no storage is allocated to this block and the next storage block
immediately follows this one. This can happen when memory is allocated and
then deallocated repeatedly.
 IBMDOS constructs a storage block and PSP before loading the command
interpreter (default is COMMAND.COM).

 If the copy of COMMAND.COM is a secondary copy, it will lack an environment
address at PSP+2Ch.



THE DISK TRANSFER AREA (DTA)├──────────────────────────────────────────────────

 DOS uses an area in memory to contain the data for all file reads and writes
that are performed with FCB function calls. This are is known as the disk
transfer area. This disk transfer area (DTA) is sometimes called a buffer.
It can be located anywhere in the data area of your application program and
should be set by your program.

 Only one DTA can be in effect at a time, so your program must tell DOS what
memory location to use before using any disk read or write functions. Use
function call 1Ah (Set Disk Transfer Address) to set the disk transfer address.
Use function call 2Fh (Get Disk Transfer Address) to get the disk transfer
address. Once set, DOS continues to use that area for all disk operations until
another function call 1Ah is issued to define a new DTA. When a program is given
control by COMMAND.COM, a default DTA large enough to hold 128 bytes is
established at 80h into the program's Program Segment Prefix.

 For file reads and writes that are performed with the extended function calls,
there is no need to set a DTA address. Instead, specify a buffer address when
you issue the read or write call.


DOS PROGRAM SEGMENT├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 When you enter an external command or call a program through the EXEC function
call, DOS determines the lowest availible address space to use as the start of
available memory for the program being started. This area is called the Program
Segment.
 At offset 0 within the program segment, DOS builds the Program Segment Prefix
control block. EXEC loads the program after the Program Segment Prefix (at
offset 100h) and gives it control.
 The program returns from EXEC by a jump to offset 0 in the Program Segment
Prefix, by issuing an int 20h, or by issuing an int 21h with register AH=00h or
4Ch, or by calling location 50h in the PSP with AH=00h or 4Ch.
 It is the responsibility of all programs to ensure that the CS register
contains the segment address of the Program Segment Prefix when terminating by
any of these methods except call 4Ch.

 All of these methods result in returning to the program that issued the EXEC.
During this returning process, interrupt vectors 22h, 23h, and 24h (Terminate,
Ctrl-Break, and Critical Error Exit addresses) are restored from the values
saved in the PSP of the terminating program. Control is then given to the
terminate address.


When a program receives control, the following conditions are in effect:

For all programs:

1) The segment address of the passed environment is contained at offset 2Ch in
   the Program Segment Prefix.

2) The environment is a series of ASCII strings totalling less than 32k bytes
   in the form:       NAME=value      The default environment is 160 bytes.
    Each string is a maximum of 127 bytes terminated by a byte of zeroes for a
   total of 128 bytes, and the entire set of strings is terminated by another
   byte of zeroes. Following the byte of zeroes that terminates the set of
   environment string is a set of initial arguments passed to a program that
   contains a word count followed by an ASCIIZ string. The ASCIIZ string
   contains the drive, path, and filename.ext of the executable program.
   Programs may use this area to determine where the program was loaded from.
   The environment built by the command processor (and passed to all programs
   it invokes) contains a COMSPEC=string at a minimum (the parameter on COMSPEC
   is the path used by DOS to locate COMMAND.COM on disk). The last PATH and
   PROMPT commands issued will also be in the environment, along with any
   environment strings entered through the SET command.
    The environment that you are passed is actually a copy of the invoking
   process's environment. If your application terminates and stays resident
   through int 27h, you should be aware that the copy of the environment passed
   to you is static. That is, it will not change even if subsequent PATH,
   PROMPT, or SET commands are issued.
    The size of the environment may be changed from its default of 160 bytes
   by using the SHELL= command in the config.sys from in DOS version 3.1 up,
   or COMMAND.COM may be patched in earlier versions.

   The environment can be used to transfer information between processes or to
   store strings for later use by application programs. The environment is
   always located on a paragraph boundary. This is its format:
        byte    ASCIIZ string 1
        byte    ASCIIZ string 2
            ....
        byte    ASCIIZ string n
        byte    of zeros (0)
   Typically the environment strings have the form:
        NAME = VALUE
   The length of NAME or VALUE can be anything desired as long as it still fits
   into the 123 byte space (4 bytes are used by "SET ").
   Following the byte of zeros in the environment, a WORD indicates the number
   of other strings following.

   If the environment is part of an EXECed command interpreter, it is followed
   by a copy of the DS:DX filename passed to the child process. A zero value
   causes the newly created process to inherit the parent's environment.

3) Offset 80h in the PSP contains code to invoke the DOS function dispatcher.
   Thus, by placing the desired function number in AH, a program can issue a
   long call to PSP+50h to invoke a DOS function rather than issuing an int 21h.

4) The disk transfer address (DTA) is set to 80h (default DTA in PSP).

5) File Control Blocks 5Ch and 6Ch are formatted from the first two parameters
   entered when the command was invoked. Note that if either parameter contained
   a path name, then the corresponding FCB will contain only a valid drive
   number. The filename field will not be valid.

6) An unformatted parameter area at 81h contains all the characters entered
   after the command name (including leading and imbedded delimiters), with 80h
   set to the number of characters. If the <, >, or | parameters were entered
   on the command line, they (and the filenames associated with them) will not
   appear in this area, because redirection of standard input and output is
   transparent to applications.

(For EXE files only)
7) DS and ES registers are set to point to the PSP.

8) CS, IP, SS, and SP registers are set to the values passed by the linker.

(For COM files only)
9) For COM files, offset 6 (one word) contains the number of bytes availible in
   the segment.

10) Register AX reflects the validity of drive specifiers entered with the
    first two parameters as follows:
        AL=0FFh is the first parameter contained an invalid drive specifier,
                otherwise AL=00h.
        AL=0FFh if the second parameter contained an invalid drive specifier,
                otherwise AL=00h.

11) All four segment registers contain the segment address of the inital
    allocation block, that starts within the PSP control block. All of user
    memory is allocated to the program. If the program needs to invoke another
    program through the EXEC function call (4Bh), it must first free some memory
    through the SETBLOCK function call to provide space for the program being
    invoked.

12) The Instruction Pointer (IP) is set to 100h.

13) The SP register is set to the end of the program's segment. The segment size
    at offset 6 is rounded down to the paragraph size.

14) A word of zeroes is placed on top of the stack.


 The PSP (with offsets in hexadecimal) is formatted as follows:
 (* = undocumented)

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│     P  R  O  G  R  A  M       S  E  G  M  E  N  T       P  R  E  F  I  X     │
├───────┬──────────┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ offset│   size   │                     C O N T E N T S                       │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0000h │ 2 bytes  │ int 20h                                                   │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0002h │ 2 bytes  │ segment address, end of allocation block                  │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0004h │ 1 byte   │ reserved, normally 0                                      │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0005h │ 5 bytes  │ FAR call to MSDOS function dispatcher (int 21h)           │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 000Ah │ 4 bytes  │ previous termination handler interrupt vector (int 22h)   │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 000Eh │ 4 bytes  │ previous contents of ctrl-C interrupt vector (int 23h)    │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0012h │ 4 bytes  │ prev. critical error handler interrupt vector (int 24h)   │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0016h │ 22 bytes │ reserved for DOS                                          │
└───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
      * │ 2 bytes  │ (16) parent process' PSP                                  │
      * │ 20 bytes │ (18) "handle table" used for redirection of files         │
┌───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 002Ch │ 2 bytes  │ segment address of the program's environment block        │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 002Eh │ 34 bytes │ reserved, DOS work area                                   │
└───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
      * │  4 bytes │ (2E) stores the calling process's stack pointer when      │
        │          │      switching to DOS's internal stack.                   │
      * │          │ (32) DOS 3.x max open files                               │
      * │  2 bytes │ (3A) size of handle table   |these functions are in here  │
      * │  4 bytes │ (3C) handle table address   |but reported addresses vary  │
┌───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0050h │  3 bytes │ int 21h, RETF instruction                                 │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0053h │  2 bytes │ reserved - unused?                                        │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0055h │  7 bytes │ reserved, or FCB#1 extension                              │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 005Ch │ 16 bytes │ default unopened File Control Block #1                    │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 006Ch │ 16 bytes │ default unopened FCB #2 (overlaid if FCB #1 opened)       │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0080h │  1 byte  │ parameter length (number of chars entered after filename) │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0081h │   ...    │ parameters                                                │
├───────┼──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 00FFh │ 128 bytes│ command tail and default Disk Transfer Area (DTA)         │
└───────┴──────────┴───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


1. The first segment of availible memory is in segment (paragraph) form. For
   example, 1000h would respresent 64k.

2. Offset 2Ch contains the segment address of the environment.

3. Programs must not alter any part of the PSP below offset 5Ch.


PSP (comments):

offset 00h  contains hex bytes CD 20, the int 20h opcode. A program can end
            by making a jump to this location when the CS points to the PSP.
            For normal cases, int 21, function 4Ch should be used.

offset 02h  contains the segment-paragraph address of the end of memory as
            reported by DOS. (which may not be the same as the real end of RAM).
            Multiply this number by 10h or 16 to get the amount of memory
            availible. ex. 1000h would be 64k.

offset 04h  "reserved or used by DOS" according to Microsoft

offset 05h  contains a long call to the DOS function dispatcher. Programs may
            jump to this address instead of calling int 21 if they wish.
            Used by Basic and other CPM object-code translated programs. It is
            slower than standard int 21h.

offset 0Ah, 0Eh, 12h
            vectors (IP, CS)

offset 16h  PSP:16h is the segment address of the invoking program's PSP, which
        *   will most often be COMMAND.COM but perhaps may be a secondary
            non-permanent COMMAND or a multitasking shell, etc. At any rate,
            the resident shell version of COMMAND.COM has PSP:16H = PSP, which
            indicates "don't look any lower in memory" for the command
            interpreter. To find the beginning of the allocation chain, look
            backwards through the PSP link addresses until the link address is
            equal to the PSP segment address that it resides in. This should
            be COMMAND.COM. To find COMMAND.COM's environment, look at the word
            stored at offset 0BD3h (PC-DOS 3.1 only). This is a segment
            address, so look there at offset 0.

       18h  handle alias table (networking). Also you can make PRN go to CON,
        *   CON go to PRN, ERR go to PRN, etc. 0FFh = availible.

offset 2Ch  is the segment:offset address of the environment for the program
            using this particular PSP. This pointer does not point to
            COMMAND.COM's environment unless it is a second copy of COMMAND.

offset 2Eh  the DWORD at PSP+2Eh is used by DOS to store the calling process's
        *   stack pointer when switching to DOS's own private stack - at the end
            of a DOS function call, SS:SP is restored from this address.

       32h, 34h
        *   table of number of file handles (to 64k of handles!)

offset 40h  2 byte field points to the segment address of COMMAND.COM's PSP in
        *   "weird" EXE files produced by Digital Research RASMPC/LINKPC.
            EXE files created with these tools can cause all sorts of problems
            with standard MSDOS debugging tools.

offset 50h  contains a long call to the DOS int 21 function dispatcher.

offset 5Ch, 65h, 6Ch
            contain FCB information for use with FCB function calls. The first
            FCB may overlay the second if it is an extended call; your program
            should revector these areas to a safe place if you intend to use
            them.

offset 5Ch  16 bytes first command-line argument (formatted as uppercase 11
            character filename)

offset 6Ch  16 bytes second command-line argument (formatted as uppercase 11
            character filename)

offset 7Ch-7Fh
           "reserved or used by DOS"
offset 80h  1 byte number of bytes in command line argument

offset 80h, 81h
            contain the length and value of parameters passed on the command
            line.

offset 81h  97 bytes unformatted command line and/or default DTA

offset 0FFh contains the DTA


 The PSP is created by DOS for all programs and contains most of the information
you need to know about a program running. You can change the environment for
the current process, however, but for the parent process, DOS in this case, you
need to literally backtrack to DOS or COMMAND.COM's PSP. In order to get there
you must look at the current PSP. At offset 16h of the current PSP segment,
there a 2 byte segment address to the parent or previous process PSP.
 From there you can manipulate the enviroment by looking at offset 2Ch. As you
know, at offset 2Ch, there is 2 byte segment address to the environment block.

Try this under debug and explore the addresses located at these offsets;

      offset  length                description
     ------------------------------------------------------------
        16h     2       segment address of parent process PSP
        2Ch     2       segment address of environment block.

Remember under debug you will have to backtrack two times.

        Programs        Parent
      --------------------------
        command.com     none
        debug.com       command.com
        program         debug.com




MEMORY CONTROL BLOCKS├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 DOS keeps track of allocated and availible memory blocks, and provides four
function calls for application programs to communicate their memory needs to
DOS. These calls are:
              48h --- allocate memory                 (MALLOC)
              49h --- free allocated memory
              4Ah --- modify allocated memory blocks  (SETBLOCK)
              4Bh --- load or execute program         (EXEC)

DOS manages memory as follows:

 DOS build a control block for each block of memory, whether free or allocated.
For example, if a program issues an "allocate" (48h), DOS locates a block of
free memory that satisfies the request, and then "carves" the requested memory
out of that block. The requesting program is passed the location of the first
byte of the block that was allocated for it - a memory management control block,
describing the allocated block, has been built for the allocated block and a
second memory management control block describes the amount of space left in the
original free block of memory. When you do a SETBLOCK to shrink an allocated
block, DOS builds a memory management control block for the area being freed and
adds it to the chain of control blocks. Thus, any program that changed memory
that is not allocated to it stands a chance of destroying a DOS memory
management control block. This causes unpredictable results that don't show up
until an activity is performed where DOS uses its chain of control blocks. The
normal result is a memory allocation error, which means a system reset will be
required.

 When a program (command or application program) is to be loaded, DOS uses the
EXEC function call 4Bh to perform the loading.

 This is the same function call that is availible to applications programs for
loading other programs. This function call has two options:

      Function 00h, to load and execute a program (this is what the command
                    processor uses to load and execute external commands)

      Function 03h, to load an overlay (program) without executing it.

 Although both functions perform their loading in the same way (relocation is
performed for EXE files) their handling of memory management is different.

FUNCTION 0: For function 0 to load and execute a program, EXEC first allocates
the largest availible block of memory (the new program's PSP will be at offset
0 in that block). Then EXEC loads the program. Thus, in most cases, the new
program owns all the memory from its PSP to the end of memory, including memory
occupied by the transient parent of COMMAND.COM. If the program were to issue
its own EXEC function call to load and execute another program, the request
would fail because no availible memory exists to load the new program into.

NOTE: For EXE programs, the amount of memory allocated is the size of the
      program's memory image plus the value in the MAX_ALLOC field of the file's
      header (offset 0Ch, if that much memory is availible. If not, EXEC
      allocates the size of the program's memory image plus the value in the
      MIN_ALLOC field in the header (offset 0Ah). These fields are set by the
      Linker).

 A well-behaved program uses the SETBLOCK function call when it receives
control, to shrink its allocated memory block down to the size it really needs.
A COM program should remember to set up its own stack before doing the SETBLOCK,
since it is likely that the default stack supplied by DOS lies in the area of
memory being used. This frees unneeded memory, which can be used for loading
other programs.

 If the program requires additional memory during processing, it can obtain
the memory using the allocate function call and later free it using the free
memory function call.

 When a program is loaded using EXEC function call 00h exits, its initial
allocation block (the block beginning with its PSP) is automatically freed
before the calling program regains control. It is the responsibility of all
programs to free any memory they allocate before exiting to the calling
program.

 FUNCTION 3: For function 3, to load an overlay, no PSP is built and EXEC
assumes the calling program has already allocated memory to load the new program
into - it will NOT allocate memory for it. Thus the calling program should
either allow for the loading of overlays when it determines the amount of memory
to keep when issuing the SETBLOCK call, or should initially free as much memory
as possible. The calling program should then allocate a block (based on the size
of the program to be loaded) to hold the program that will be loaded using the
"load overlay" call. Note that "load overlay" does not check to see if the
calling program actually owns the memory block it has been instructed to load
into - it assumes the calling program has followed the rules. If the calling
program does not own the memory into which the overlay is being loaded, there is
a chance the program being loaded will overlay one of the control blocks that
DOS uses to keep track of memory blocks.

 Programs loaded using function 3 should not issue any SETBLOCK calls since
they don't own the memory they are operating in. (This memory is owned by the
calling program)

 Because programs loaded using function 3 are given control directly by (and
return contrrol directly to) the calling program, no memory is automatically
freed when the called program exits. It is up to the calling program to
determine the disposition of the memory that had been occupied by the exiting
program. Note that if the exiting program had itself allocated any memory, it
is responsible for freeing that memory before exiting.

 Memory control blocks, sometimes called "arena headers" after their UNIX
counterpart, are 16 bytes long. Only the first 5 bytes are used. 16 bytes are
used for the memory control block, which always starts at a paragraph boundary.
When DOS call 48h is made to allocate "x" many paragraphs of memory, the amount
used up is actually one more than the figure in the BX register to provide
space for the associated memory control block. The location of the memory
control block is at the paragraph immediately before the segment value returned
in AX by the DOS function 48h call i.e. ((AX-1):0).

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│               M E M O R Y      C O N T R O L       B L O C K                 │
├───────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Bytes │                           Function                                   │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   0   │ ASCII M or Z                                                         │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  1-2  │ PSP segment address of the program that owns this block of memory    │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  3-4  │ Size of next MCB in 16-byte paragraphs                               │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  5-F  │ unused                                                               │
└───────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

byte 1    will always have the value of 4Dh or 5Ah. The value 5Ah (Z) indicates
          the block is the last in a chain, all memory above it is unused. 4Dh
          (M) means that the block is intermediate in a chain, the memory above
          it belongs to the next program or to DOS.

byte 2,3  hold the PSP segment address of the program that owns the
          corresponding block of memory. A value of 0 means the block is free
          to be claimed, any other value represents a segment address.

byte 3, 4 indicate the size in paragraphs of the memory block. If you know the
          address of the first block, you can find the next block by adding the
          length of the memory block plus 1 to the segment address of the
          control block. Finding the first block can be difficult, as this
          varies according to the DOS version and the configuration.

 The remaining 11 bytes are not currently used by DOS, and may contain "trash"
characters left in memory from previous applications.

 If DOS determines that the allocation chain of memory control blocks has been
corrupted, it will halt the system and display the message "Memory Allocation
Error", and the system will halt, requiring a reboot.

 Each memory block consists of a signature byte (4Dh or 5Ah) then a word which
is the PSP value of the owner of the block (which allocated it), followed by a
word which is the size in paragraphs of the block. The last block has a
signature of 5Ah. All others have 4Dh. If the owner is 0000 then the block is
free.

 Once a memory control block has been created it should only be manipulated
with the appropriate DOS function calls. Accidentally writing over any of the
first 5 bytes of a memory control block can cause a memory allocation error
and cause the system to lock up. If the first byte is overwritten with
something other than an 'M' or a 'Z' then DOS will complain with an error
return code of 7 signifying "Memory Control Blocks destroyed". However, should
you change the ownership or block size bytes, you've had it.

 When a .COM program is first loaded by DOS and given control, the memory
control block immediately preceding the Program Segment Prefix contains the
following data:

          ID    = 'Z'
          Owner = segment address of PSP (= CS register of .COM program)
          Size  = number of available paragraphs in DOS memory pool

  An .EXE file will have the following data in the memory control block for
the program (just prior to the PSP):

          ID    = 'M'
          Owner = segment address of PSP (= DS register of program)
          Size  = the number of paragraphs allocated to the program according
                  to the information in the .EXE program header

 In the case of an .EXE program file the amount of memory allocated depends
on the contents of the program header which informs the DOS loader how much to
allocate for each of the segments in the program. With an .EXE program file
there will always be a 'Z' memory control block created in memory immediately
after the end of the space allocated to the program itself.

 One important fact to remember about DOS memory allocation is that blocks of
RAM allocated by different calls to DOS function 48H will NOT be contiguous. At
the very best, they will be separated by the 16 bytes of the memory control
block, and at worst they could be anywhere in RAM that DOS manages to find a
existing memory control block of sufficient size to accomodate the memory
request.

 DOS treats the memory control blocks as a kind of linked list (term used
loosely). It uses the earlier MCBs to find the later ones by calculating the
location of the next one from the size of the prior one. As such, erasing any
of the MCB data in the chain of MCBs will upset DOS severely, as each call for
a new memory allocation causes DOS to scan the whole chain of MCBs looking for
a free one that is large enough to fulfill the request.

 A separate MCB is created for the DOS environment strings at each program
load, so there will be many copies of the environment strewn through memory
when you have a lot of memory resident programs loaded. The memory control
blocks for the DOS environment strings are not returned to the DOS memory pool
if the program goes resident, as DOS will need to copy this enviroment for the
next program loaded.


       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams
                        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                        │ Shareware Version, 03/16/92 │
                        │  Please Register Your Copy  │
                        └─────────────────────────────┘


                           C H A P T E R   S E V E N

                              DOS FILE STRUCTURE



FILE MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 Use DOS function calls to create, open, close, read, write, rename, find, and
erase files. There are two sets of function calls that DOS provides for support
of file management. They are:

   * File Control Block function calls   (0Fh-24h)
   * Handle function calls               (39h-69h)

 Handle function calls are easier to use and are more powerful than FCB calls.
Microsoft recommends that the handle function calls be used when writing new
programs. DOS 3.0 up have been curtailing use of FCB function calls; it is
possible that future versions of DOS may not support FCB function calls.

 The following table compares the use of FCB calls to Handle function calls:

   ┌──────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────┐
   │           FCB Calls          │               Handle Calls              │
   ├──────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────────────┤
   │  Access files in current     │  Access files in ANY directory          │
   │  directory only.             │                                         │
   │                              │                                         │
   │  Requires the application    │  Does not require use of an FCB.        │
   │  program to maintain a file  │  Requires a string with the drive,      │
   │  control block to open,      │  path, and filename to open, create,    │
   │  create, rename or delete    │  rename, or delete a file. For file     │
   │  a file. For I/O requests,   │  I/O requests, the application program  │
   │  the application program     │  must maintain a 16 bit file handle     │
   │  also needs an FCB           │  that is supplied by DOS.               │
   └──────────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────────────┘

 The only reason an application should use FCB function calls is to maintain
the ability to run under DOS 1.x. To to this, the program may use only function
calls 00h-2Eh. Though the FCB function calls are frowned upon, many of the
introductory assembly language programming texts use the FCB calls as examples.



FCB FUNCTION CALLS ├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 FCB function calls require the use of one File Control Block per open file,
which is maintained by the application program and DOS. The application program
supplies a pointer to the FCB and fills in ther appropriate fields required by
the specific function call. An FCB function call can perform file management on
any valid drive, but only in the current logged directory. By using the current
block, current record, and record length fields of the FCB, you can perform
sequential I/O by using the sequential read or write function calls. Random I/O
can be performed by filling in the random record and record length fields.

 Several possible uses of FCB type calls are considered programming errors and
should not be done under any circumstances to avoid problems with file sharing
and compatibility with later versions of DOS.
 Some errors are:
1) If program uses the same FCB structure to access more than one open file. By
   opening a file using an FCB, doing I/O, and then replacing the filename field
   in the file control block with a new filename, a program can open a second
   file using the same FCB. This is invalid because DOS writes control info-
   rmation about the file into the reserved fields of the FCB. If the program
   then replaces the filename field with the original filename and then tries to
   perform I/O on this file, DOS may become confused because the control info-
   rmation has been changed. An FCB should never be used to open a second file
   without closing the one that is currently open. If more than one File Control
   Block is to be open concurrently, separate FCBs should be used.

2) A program should never try to use the reserved fields in the FCB, as the
   function of the fields changes with different versions of DOS.

3) A delete or a rename on a file that is currently open is considered an error
   and should not be attempted by an application program.

 It is also good programming practice to close all files when I/O is done. This
avoids potential file sharing problems that require a limit on the number of
files concurrently open using FCB function calls.



HANDLE FUNCTION CALLS├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 The recommended method of file management is by using the extended "handle"
set of function calls. These calls are not restricted to the current directory.
Also, the handle calls allow the application program to define the type of
access that other processes can have concurrently with the same file if the file
is being shared.

 To create or open a file, the application supplies a pointer to an ASCIIZ
string giving the name and location of the file. The ASCIIZ string contains an
optional drive letter, optional path, mandatory file specification, and a
terminal byte of 00h. The following is an example of an ASCIIZ string:

                  format [drive][path] filename.ext,0

                      DB "A:\path\filename.ext",0

 If the file is being created, the application program also supplies the
attribute of the file. This is a set of values that defines the file read
only, hidden, system, directory, or volume label.

 If the file is being opened, the program can define the sharing and access
modes that the file is opened in. The access mode informs DOS what operations
your program will perform on this file (read-only, write-only, or read/write)
The sharing mode controls the type of operations other processes may perform
concurrently on the file. A program can also control if a child process inherits
the open files of the parent. The sharing mode has meaning only if file sharing
is loaded when the file is opened.

 To rename or delete a file, the appplication program simply needs to provide
a pointer to the ASCIIZ string containing the name and location of the file
and another string with the new name if the file is being renamed.

 The open or create function calls return a 16-bit value referred to as the
file handle. To do any I/O to a file, the program uses the handle to reference
the file. Once a file is opened, a program no longer needs to maintain the
ASCIIZ string pointing to the file, nor is there any need to stay in the same
directory. DOS keeps track of the location of the file regardless of what
directory is current.

 Sequential I/O can be performed using the handle read (3Fh) or write (40h)
function calls. The offset in the file that IO is performed to is automatically
moved to the end of what was just read or written. If random I/O is desired, the
LSEEK (42h) function call can be used to set the offset into the file where I/O
is to be performed.


SPECIAL FILE HANDLES├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 DOS reserves five special file handles for use by itself and applications
programs. They are:
┌───────┬────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 0000h │ STDIN  │ standard input device        (input can be redirected)      │
│ 0001h │ STDOUT │ standard output device       (output can be redirected)     │
│ 0002h │ STDERR │ standard error output device (output cannot be redirected)  │
│ 0004h │ STDAUX │ standard auxiliary device                                   │
│ 0005h │ STDPRN │ standard printer device                                     │
└───────┴────────┴─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

 These handles are predefined by DOS and can be used by an application program.
They do not need to be opened by a program, although a program can close these
handles. STDIN should be treated as a read-only file, and STDOUT and STDERR
should be treated as write-only files. STDIN and STDOUT can be redirected. All
handles inherited by a process can be redirected, but not at the command line.
 These handles are very useful for doing I/O to and from the console device.
For example, you could read input from the keyboard using the read (3Fh)
function call and file handle 0000h (STDIN), and write output to the console
screen with the write function call (40h) and file handle 0001h (STDOUT). If
you wanted an output that could not be redirected, you could output it using
file handle 0002h (STDERR). This is very useful for error messages that must
be seen by a user.

 File handles 0003h (STDAUX) and 0004h (STDPRN) can be both read from and
written to. STDAUX is typically a serial device and STDPRN is usually a parallel
device.


ASCII and BINARY MODE├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 I/O to files is done in binary mode. This means that the data is read or
written without modification. However, DOS can also read or write to devices in
ASCII mode. In ASCII mode, DOS does some string processing and modification to
the characters read and written. The predefined handles are in ASCII mode when
initialized by DOS. All other file handles that don't refer to devices are in
binary mode. A program, can use the IOCTL (44h) function call to set the mode
that I/O is to a device. The predefined file handles are all devices, so the
mode can be changed from ASCII to binary via IOCTL. Regular file handles that
are not devices are always in binary mode and cannot be changed to ASCII mode.

 The ASCII/BINARY bit was called "raw" in DOS 2.x, but it is called ASCII/BINARY
in DOS 3.x.

 The predefined file handles STDIN (0000h) and STDOUT (0001h) and STDERR
(0002h) are all duplicate handles. If the IOCTL function call is used to change
the mode of any of these three handles, the mode of all three handles is
changed. For example, if IOCTL was used to change STDOUT to binary mode, then
STDIN and STDERR would also be changed to binary mode.



FILE I/O IN BINARY (RAW) MODE├─────────────────────────────────────────────────

The following is true when a file is read in binary mode:

1)  The characters ^S (scroll lock), ^P (print screen), ^C (control break) are
    not checked for during the read. Therefore, no printer echo occurs if ^S or
    ^P are read.
2)  There is no echo to STDOUT (0001h).
3)  Read the number of specified bytes and returns immediately when the last
    byte is received or the end of file reached.
4)  Allows no editing of the ine input using the function keys if the input is
    from STDIN (0000h).


The following is true when a file is written to in binary mode:

1)  The characters ^S (scroll lock), ^P (print screen), ^C (control break) are
    not checked for during the write. Therefore, no printer echo occurs.
2)  There is no echo to STDOUT (0001h).
3)  The exact number of bytes specified are written.
4)  Does not caret (^) control characters. For example, ctrl-D is sent out as
    byte 04h instead of the two bytes ^ and D.
5)  Does not expand tabs into spaces.


FILE I/O IN ASCII (COOKED) MODE├───────────────────────────────────────────────

The following is true when a file is read in ASCII mode:

1)  Checks for the characters ^C,^S, and ^P.
2)  Returns as many characters as there are in the device input buffer, or the
    number of characters requested, whichever is less. If the number of
    characters requested was less than the number of characters in the device
    buffer, then the next read will address the remaining characters in the
    buffer.
3)  If there are no more bytes remaining in the device input buffer, read a
    line (terminated by ^M) into the buffer. This line may be edited with the
    function keys. The characters returned terminated with a sequence of 0Dh,
    0Ah (^M,^J) if the number of characters requested is sufficient to include
    them. For example, if 5 characters were requested, and only 3 were entered
    before the carriage return (0Dh or ^M) was presented to DOS from the console
    device, then the 3 characters entered and 0Dh and 0Ah would be returned.
    However, if 5 characters were requested and 7 were entered before the
    carriage return, only the first 5 characters would be returned. No 0Dh,0Ah
    sequence would be returned in this case. If less than the number of
    characters requested are entered when the carriage return is received, the
    characters received and 0Dh,0Ah would be returned. The reason the 0Ah
    (linefeed or ^J) is added to the returned characters is to make the devices
    look like text files.
4)  If a 1Ah (^Z) is found, the input is terminated at that point. No 0Dh,0Ah
    (CR,LF) sequence is added to the string.
5)  Echoing is performed.
6)  Tabs are expanded.


The following is true when a file is written to in ASCII mode:

1)  The characters ^S,^P,and ^C are checked for during the write operation.
2)  Expands tabs to 8-character boundaries and fills with spaces (20h).
3)  Carets control characters, for example, ^D is written as two bytes, ^ and D.
4)  Bytes are output until the number specified is output or a ^Z is
    encountered. The number actually output is returned to the user.


NUMBER OF OPEN FILES ALLOWED├──────────────────────────────────────────────────

 The number of files that can be open concurrently is restricted by DOS. This
number is determined by how the file is opened or created (FCB or handle
function call) and the number specified by the FCBS and FILES commands in the
CONFIG.SYS file. The number of files allowed open by FCB function calls and the
number of files that can be opened by handle type calls are independent of one
another.


RESTRICTIONS ON FCB USAGE├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 If file sharing is not loaded using the SHARE command, there are no
restrictions on the nuumber of files concurrently open using FCB function calls.

 However, when file sharing is loaded, the maximum number of FCBs open is set
by the the FCBS command in the CONFIG.SYS file.

 The FCBS command has two values you can specify, 'm' and 'n'. The value for
'm' specifies the number of files that can be opened by FCBs, and the value 'n'
specifies the number of FCBs that are protected from being closed.

 When the maximum number of FCB opens is exceeded, DOS automatically closes the
least recently used file. Any attempt to access this file results in an int 24h
critical error message "FCB not availible". If this occurs while an application
program is running, the value specified for 'm' in the FCBS command should be
increased.

 When DOS determines the least recently used file to close, it does not include
the first 'n' files opened, therefore the first 'n' files are protected from
being closed.


RESTRICTIONS ON HANDLE USAGE├──────────────────────────────────────────────────

 The number of files that can be open simultaneously by all processes is
determined by the FILES command in the CONFIG.SYS file. The number of files a
single process can open depends on the value specified for the FILES command. If
FILES is greater than or equal to 20, a single process can open 20 files. If
FILES is less than 20, the process can open less than 20 files. This value
includes three predefined handles: STDIN, STDOUT, and STDERR. This means only
17 additional handles can be added. DOS 3.3 includes a function to use more than
20 files per application.


ALLOCATING SPACE TO A FILE├────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 Files are not nescessarily written sequentially on a disk. Space is allocated
as needed and the next location availible on the disk is allocated as space for
the next file being written. Therefore, if considerable file generation has
taken place, newly created files will not be written in sequential sectors.
However, due to the mapping (chaining) of file space via the File Allocation
Table (FAT) and the function calls availible, any file may be used in either a
sequential or random manner.

 Space is allocated in increments called clusters. Cluster size varies
according to the media type. An application program should not concern itself
with the way that DOS allocates space to a file. The size of a cluster is only
important in that it determines the smallest amount of space that can be
allocated to a file. A disk is considered full when all clusters have been
allocated to files.



MSDOS / PCDOS DIFFERENCES├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 There is a problem of compatibility between MS-DOS and IBM PC-DOS having to
do with FCB Open and Create. The IBM 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 documentation of OPEN
(call 0Fh) contains the following statement:

 "The current block field (FCB bytes C-D) is set to zero [when an FCB is
opened]."

 This statement is NOT true of MS-DOS 1.25 or MS-DOS 2.00. The difference is
intentional, and the reason is CP/M 1.4 compatibility. Zeroing that field is
not CP/M compatible. Some CP/M programs will not run when machine translated if
that field is zeroed. The reason it is zeroed in the IBM versions is that IBM
specifically requested that it be zeroed. This is the reason for the complaints
from some vendors about the fact that IBM MultiPlan will not run under MS-DOS.
It is probably the reason that some other IBM programs don't run under MS-DOS.

NOTE: Do what all MS/PC-DOS systems programs do: Set every single FCB field you
want to use regardless of what the documentation says is initialized.


.COM FILE STRUCTURE├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 The COM file structure was designed for DOS 1.0 and maximum compatibility
with programs ported from the CP/M operating system. COM files normally
comprise one segment only.


.EXE FILE STRUCTURE├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 The EXE file is the native mode for DOS. EXE files may make use of multiple
segments for code, stack, and data. The design of the EXE file reflects the
segmented design of the Intel 80x86 CPU architecture. EXE files may be as
large as availible memory and may make references to specific segment addresses.


 The EXE files produced by the Linker program consist of two parts, control and
relocation information and the load module itself.

 The control and relocation information, which is described below, is at the
beginning of the file in an area known as the header. The load module
immediately follows the header. The load module begins in the memory image of
the module contructed by the Linker.

 When you are loading a file with the name *.EXE, DOS does NOT assume that it
is an EXE format file. It looks at the first two bytes for a signature telling
it that it is an EXE file. If it has the proper signature, then the load
proceeds. Otherwise, it presumes the file to be a .COM format file.

 If the file has the EXE signature, then the internal consistency is checked.
Pre-2.0 versions of MSDOS did not check the signature byte for EXE files.

 The .EXE format can support programs larger than 64K. It does this by
allowing separate segments to be defined for code, data, and the stack, each
of which can be up to 64K long. Programs in EXE format may contain explicit
references to segment addresses. A header in the EXE file has information for
DOS to resolve these references.


The .EXE header is formatted as follows:
┌─────────┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Offset  │                      C O N T E N T S                              │
├─────────┼─────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   00h   │ 4Dh │ This is the Linker's signature to mark the file as a valid  │
├─────────┼─────┤ .EXE file  (The ASCII letters M and Z, for Mark Zbikowski,  │
│   01h   │ 5Ah │ one of the major designers of DOS at Microsoft)             │
├─────────┼─────┴─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 02h-03h │ Length of the image mod 512 (remainder after dividing the load    │
│         │ module image size by 512)                                         │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 04h-05h │ Size of the file in 512 byte pages including the header.          │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 06h-07h │ Number of relocation table items following the header.            │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 08h-09h │ Size of the header in 16 byte increments (paragraphs). This is    │
│         │ used to locate the beginning of the load module in the file.      │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0Ah-0Bh │ Minimum number of 16 byte paragraphs required above the end of    │
│         │ the loaded program.                                               │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0Ch-0Dh │ Maximum number of 16 byte paragraphs required above the end of    │
│         │ the loaded program. If the minimum and maximum number of          │
│         │ paragraphs are both zero, the program will be loaded as high in   │
│         │ memory as possible.                                               │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 0Eh-0Fh │ Displacement in paragraphs of stack segment within load module.   │
│         │ This size must be adjusted by relocation.                         │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 10h-11h │ Offset to be in SP register when the module is given control.     │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 12h-13h │ Word Checksum - negative sum of all the words in the file,        │
│         │ ignoring overflow.                                                │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 14h-15h │ Offset to be in the IP register when the module is given control. │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 16h-17h │ Displacement in paragraphs of code segment within load module.    │
│         │ This size must be adjusted by relocation.                         │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 18h-19h │ Displacement in bytes of the first relocation item in the file.   │
├─────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 1Ah-1Bh │ Overlay number (0 for the resident part of the program)           │
└─────────┴───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘



THE RELOCATION TABLE├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 The word at 18h locates the first entry in the relocation table. The
relocation table is made up of a variable number of relocation items. The number
of items is contained at offset 06-07. The relocation item contains two fields
- a 2 byte offset value, followed by a 2 byte segment value. These two fields
represent the displacement into the load module before the module is given
control. The process is called relocation and is accomplished as follows:

1. The formatted part of the header is read into memory. Its size is 1Bh.

2. A portion of memory is allocated depending on the size of the load module
   and the allocation numbers in offsets 0Ah-0Ch and 0Ch-0Dh. DOS always
   tries to allocate 0FFFFh paragraphs. Since this call will always fail,
   the function returns the amount of free memory. If this block is larger
   than the minimum specified at offset 0Ah and the loaded program size,
   DOS will allocate the size specified at offset 0Ch or the largest free
   memory space, whichever is less.

3. A Program Segment Prefix is built following the resident portion of the
   program that is performing the load operation.

4. The formatted part of the header is read into memory (its size is at
   offset 08h)

5. The load module size is determined by subtracting the header size from the
   file size. Offsets 04h and 08h can be used for this calculation. The
   actual size is downward adjusted based on the contents of offsets 02-03.
   Note that all files created by the Linker programs prior to version 1.10
   always placed a value of 4 at this location, regardless of the actual
   program size. Therefore, Microsoft recommends that this field be ignored if
   it contains a value of 4. Based on the setting of the high/low loader switch,
   an appropriate segment is determined for loading the load module. This
   segment is called the start segment.

6. The load module is read into memory beginning at the start segment. The
   relocation table is an ordered list of relocation items. The first relocation
   item is the one that has the lowest offset in the file.

7. The relocation table items are read into a work area one or more at a time.

8. Each relocation table item segment value is added to the start segment value.
   The calculated segment, in conjunction with the relocation item offset value,
   points to a word in the load module to which is added the start segment
   value. The result is placed back into the word in the load module.

9. Once all the relocation items have been processed, the SS and SP registers
   are set from the values in the header and the start segment value is added
   to SS. The ES and DS registers are set to the segment address of the program
   segment prefix. The start segment value is added to the header CS register
   value. The result, along with the header IP value, is used to give the
   module control.


"NEW" .EXE FORMAT (Microsoft Windows and OS/2)├────────────────────────────────

 The "old" EXE format is documented here. The "new" EXE format puts more
information into the header section and is currently used in applications that
run under Microsoft Windows. The linker that creates these files comes with the
Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit and is called LINK4. If you try to
run a Windows-linked program under DOS, you will get the error message "This
program requires Microsoft Windows".

PIF Files
  PIF stands for "Program Information File". The PIF format was developed by
IBM for use with TopView, its multitasking manager. Microsoft also uses PIF
files to pass information regarding the amount of memory and type of I/O a
program running under Microsoft Windows requires.
  The actual internal format of the PIF files is documented in the IBM TopView
Programmers' ToolKit.

STANDRD FILE CONTROL BLOCK├────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 The standard file control block is defined as follows, with offsets in hex:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                 F I L E      C O N T R O L      B L O C K                    │
├───────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Bytes │                           Function                                   │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   0   │ 1 byte Drive number. For example:                                    │
│       │ Before open:    00h = default drive                                  │
│       │                 01h = drive A:                                       │
│       │                 02h = drive B: etc.                                  │
│       │ After open:     00h = drive C:                                       │
│       │                 01h = drive A:                                       │
│       │                 02h = drive B: etc.                                  │
│       │ An 0 is replaced by the actual drive number during open.             │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  1-8  │ 8 bytes Filename, left justified with blanks. If a reserved device   │
│       │ name is placed here (such as PRN) do not include the optional colon. │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  9-B  │ 3 bytes Filename extension, left justified with trailing blanks.     │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  C-D  │ 2 bytes Current block # relative to start of file, starting with 0   │
│       │ (set to 0 by the open function call). A block consists of 128        │
│       │ records, each of the size specified in the logical record size field.│
│       │ The current block number is used with the current record field       │
│       │ (below) for sequential reads and writes.                             │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  E-F  │ 2 bytes Logical record size in bytes. Set to 80h by OPEN function    │
│       │ If this is not correct, you must set the value because DOS uses it   │
│       │ to determine the proper locations in the file for all disk reads and │
│       │ writes.                                                              │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 10-13 │ 4 bytes File size in bytes. In this field, the first word is the     │
│       │ low-order part of the size.                                          │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 14-15 │ 2 bytes Date file was created or last updated. mm/dd/yy are mapped   │
│       │ as follows:                                                          │
│       │         15  14  13  12  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  3  2  1  0         │
│       │         y   y   y   y   y   y   y  m  m  m  m  d  d  d  d  d         │
│       │ where:            mm is 1-12                                         │
│       │                   dd is 1-31                                         │
│       │                   yy is 0-119 (1980-2099)                            │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 16-17 │ 2 bytes time file was created or last updated.                       │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│       │ These bytes contain the time when the file was created or last       │
│       │  updated. The time is mapped in the bits as follows:                 │
│       ├───────────────────────────────┬───────────────────────────────┐      │
│       │         B Y T E   16h         │         B Y T E   17h         │      │
│       ├───────────────────────────────┼───────────────────────────────┤      │
│       │ F   E   D   C   B   A   9   8 │ 7   6   5   4   3   2   1   0 │      │
│       ├───────────────────┬───────────┴───────────┬───────────────────┤      │
│       │ H   H   H   H   H │ M   M   M   M   M   M │ D   D   D   D   D │      │
│       ├───────────────────┼───────────────────────┼───────────────────┤      │
│       │ binary # hrs 0-23 │ binary # minutes 0-59 │ bin. # 2-sec incr │      │
│       ├───────────────────┴───────────────────────┴───────────────────┘      │
│       │ note: The time is stored with the least significant byte first.      │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 18-19 │ 2 bytes Reserved for DOS.                                            │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  20   │1 byte  Current relative record number (0-127) within the current     │
│       │ block. This field and the Current Block field at offset 0Ch make up  │
│       │ the record pointer. This field is not initialized by the OPEN        │
│       │ function call. You must set this field before doing sequential read- │
│       │ write operations to the diskette.                                    │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 21-25 │ 4 bytes Relative Record. Points to the currently selected record,    │
│       │ counting from the beginning of the file starting with 0. This field  │
│       │ is not initialized by the OPEN system call. You must set this field  │
│       │ before doing a random read or write to the file.                     │
│       │  If the record size is less than 64 bytes, both words are used.      │
│       │ Otherwise, only the first 3 bytes are used. Note that if you use the │
│       │ File Control Block at 5Ch in the program segment, the last byte of   │
│       │ the FCB overlaps the first byte of the unformatted parameter area.   │
└───────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

note 1) An unopened FCB consists of the FCB prefix (if used), drive number, and
        filename.ext properly filled in. An open FCB is one in which the
        remaining fields have been filled in by the CREAT or OPEN function
        calls.
     2) Bytes 0-5 and 32-36 must be set by the user program. Bytes 16-31 are set
        by DOS and must not be changed by user programs.
     3) All word fields are stored with the least significant byte first. For
        example, a record length of 128 is stored as 80h at offset 14, and 00h
        at offset 15.



EXTENDED FILE CONTROL BLOCK├───────────────────────────────────────────────────

 The extended file control block is used to create or search for files in the
disk directory that have special attributes.

It adds a 7 byte prefix to the FCB, formatted as follows:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│       E X T E N D E D     F I L E      C O N T R O L      B L O C K          │
├───────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Bytes │                           Function                                   │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   0   │ Flag byte containing 0FFh to indicate an extended FCB.               │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  1-6  │ Reserved                                                             │
├───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  6-7  │ Attribute byte. Refer to function call 11h (search first) for        │
│       │ details on using the attribute bits during directory searches. This  │
│       │ function is present to allow applications to define their own files  │
│       │ as hidden (and thereby excluded from normal directory searches) and  │
│       │ to allow selective directory searches.                               │
└───────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

 Any reference in the DOS function calls to an FCB, whether opened or unopened,
may use either a normal or extended FCB. If you are using an extended FCB, the
appropriate register should be set to the first byte of the prefix, rather than
the drive-number field.

 Common practice is to refer to the extended FCB as a negative offset from the
first byte of a standard File Control Block.


       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams
                        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                        │ Shareware Version, 03/16/92 │
                        │  Please Register Your Copy  │
                        └─────────────────────────────┘


                           C H A P T E R   E I G H T


                             DOS DISK INFORMATION


                                C O N T E N T S

The DOS Area .......................................................... 8**1
The Boot Record ....................................................... 8**2
DOS File Allocation Table (FAT) ....................................... 8**3
        Media Descriptor Byte ......................................... 8**4
        12 Bit FATs ................................................... 8**5
        16 Bit FATs ................................................... 8**6
DOS Disk Directory .................................................... 8**8
The Data Area ......................................................... 8**9
Floppy Disk Types ..................................................... 8**10
Hard Disk Layout ...................................................... 8**11
System Initialization ................................................. 8**12
Boot Record/Partition Table ........................................... 8**13
Hard Disk Technical Information ....................................... 8**14
Determining Hard Disk File Allocation ................................. 8**15
BIOS Disk Functions ................................................... 8**16
        00h  Reset
        01h  Get Status
        02h  Read Sectors
        03h  Write Sectors
        04h  Verify
        05h  Format Track (floppy disk)
        06h  Hard Disk - format track
        07h  Hard Disk - format drive
        08h  Read Drive Parameters
        09h  Initialize Two Fixed Disk Base Tables
        0Ah  Read Long (Hard disk)
        0Bh  Write Long (Hard disk)
        0Ch  Seek To Cylinder
        0Dh  Alternate Hard Disk Reset
        0Eh  Read Sector Buffer
        0Fh  Write sector buffer
        10h  Test For Drive Ready
        11h  Recalibrate Drive
        12h  Controller RAM Diagnostic
        13h  Controller Drive Diagnostic
        14h  Controller Internal Diagnostic
        15h  Get Disk Type
        16h  Get Disk Change Status (diskette)
        17h  Set Disk Type for Format (diskette)
        18h  Set Media Type For Format (diskette)
        19h  Park Hard Disk Heads
        1Ah  ESDI Hard Disk - Low Level Format
        1Bh  ESDI Hard Disk - Get Manufacturing Header
        1Ch  ESDI Hard Disk - Get Configuration




THE DOS AREA├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 8**1

 All disks and diskettes formatted by DOS are created with a sector size of 512
bytes. The DOS area (entire area for a diskette, DOS partition for hard disks)
is formatted as follows:

        ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
        │                       D O S   A R E A                      │
        ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │ partition table          - variable size (hard disk only)  │
        │ boot record              - 1 sector                        │
        │ first copy of the FAT    - variable size                   │
        │ second copy of the FAT   - same size as first copy         │
        │ root directory           - variable size                   │
        │ data area                - variable depending on disk size │
        └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

The following sections describe each of the allocated areas:



THE BOOT RECORD├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 8**2

 The boot record resides on track 0, sector 1, side 0 of every diskette
formatted by the DOS FORMAT program. For hard disks the boot record resides on
the first sector of the DOS partition. It is put on all disks to provide an
error message if you try to start up with a nonsystem disk in drive A:. If the
disk is a system disk, the boot record contains a JMP instruction pointing to
the first byte of the operating system.

 If the device is IBM compatible the first sector of the first FAT must be
located at the same sector for all disk types. This is because the FAT sector
is read before the disk type is actually determined.

 The information relating to the BPB for a particular media is kept in the
disk's boot sector.  The format of the boot sector is:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                        D O S   B O O T   R E C O R D                         │
├───┬───────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│00h│3 bytes│  JMP to executable code. For DOS 2.x, 3 byte near jump (0E9h).   │
│   │       │  For DOS 3.x, 2 byte near jump (0EBh) followed by a NOP (90h)    │
├───┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│03h│8 bytes│  optional OEM name and version  (such as IBM 2.1)                │
├───┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│0Bh│2 bytes│  bytes per sector                                                │
├───┼───────┼─────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│0Dh│ byte  │     │  sectors per allocation unit (must be a power of 2)        │
├───┼───────┤     ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│0Eh│2 bytes│  B  │  reserved sectors (starting at logical sector 0)           │
│   │       │     │  01 for 1.x-3.31, 02 for 4.0+                              │
├───┼───────┤     ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│10h│ byte  │     │  number of FATs                                            │
├───┼───────┤     ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│11h│2 bytes│     │  maximum number of root directory entries                  │
├───┼───────┤  P  ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│13h│2 bytes│     │  number of sectors in logical image (total number of       │
│   │       │     │  sectors in media, including boot sector directories, etc.)│
│   │       │     │  If logical disk size is geater than 32Mb, this value is 0 │
│   │       │     │  and the actual size is reported at offset 26h (DOS 4.0+)  │
├───┼───────┤     ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│15h│ byte  │  B  │  media descriptor byte                                     │
├───┼───────┤     ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│16h│2 bytes│     │  number of sectors occupied by a single FAT                │
├───┼───────┼─────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│18h│2 bytes│  sectors per track                                               │
├───┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│1Ah│2 bytes│  number of heads                                                 │
├───┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│1Ch│2 bytes│  # of hidden sectors  (sectors before this volume) (1st part)    │
└───┴───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
            │                EXTENDED BOOT RECORD (DOS 4.0+)                   │
┌───┬───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│1Eh│2 bytes│  # of hidden sectors  (sectors before this volume) (2nd part)    │
├───┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│20h│4 bytes│  # sectors in this disk (see offset 13h, if 0)                   │
├───┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│24h│2 bytes│  physical drive number (max 2 for DOS 4, max 8 for DOS 5)        │
├───┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│26h│ byte  │  extended boot record signature  (29h)                           │
├───┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│27h│4 bytes│  volume serial number (assigned with a random function)          │
├───┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│2Bh│11 byte│  volume label                                                    │
├───┼───────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│36h│7 bytes│  file system ID   (FAT12   ), (FAT16   ) etc.     ("reserved")   │
└───┴───────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

 The three words at the end return information about the media. The number of
heads is useful for supporting different multihead drives that have the same
storage capacity but a different number of surfaces. The number of hidden
sectors is useful for drive partitioning schemes.

 DOS 3.2 uses a table called the BIOS Parameter Block (BPB) to determine if a
disk has a valid File Allocation Table. The BPB is located in the first sector
of a floppy disk. Although the BPB is supposed to be on every formatted floppy
disk, some earlier versions of DOS did not create a BPB and instead assumed that
the FAT begins at the second sector of the disk and that the first FAT byte
(Media Descriptor Byte) describes the disk format.
 DOS 3.2 reads in the whole of the BPB and tries to use it - although strangely
enough, it seems as if DOS is prepared to cope with a BPB that is more or less
totally blank (it seems to ignore the descriptor byte and treat it as a DSDD
9-sector disk).
 DOS 3.2 determines if a disk has a valid boot sector by examining the first
byte of logical sector 0. If that byte it a jump instruction 0E9h, DOS 3.2
assumes the rest of the sector is a valid boot sector with a BPB. If the first
byte is not 0E9h DOS 3.2 behaves like previous versions, assumes the boot sector
is invalid and uses the first byte of the FAT to determine the media type.
 If the first byte on the disk happens to be 0E9h, but the disk does not have a
BPB, DOS 3.2 will return a disk error message.
 The real problems occur if some of the BPB data is valid and some isn't.
Apparently some OEMs have assumed that DOS would continue to ignore the
formatting data on the disk, and have failed to write much there during FORMAT
except the media descriptor byte (or, worse, have allowed random junk to be
written there). While this error is understandable, and perhaps even
forgiveable, it remains their problem, not IBM's, since the BPB area has always
been documented as containing the format information that IBM DOS 3.2 now
requires to be there.

 When the BPB problems first became evident with DOS 3.2 a number of reports
circulated claiming DOS looked for the letters "IBM" in the OEM ID field. This
was incorrect. IBM DOS 4.0 *did* check for the letters "IBM" and would refuse
to recognize hard drives formatted under MSDOS 4.0. IBM corrected this with
their 4.01 revision.



THE DOS FILE ALLOCATION TABLE (FAT)├─────────────────────────────────── 8**3

 The File Allocation Table, or FAT, has three main purposes:
        1) to mark bad sectors on the media
        2) to determine which sectors are free for use
        3) to determine the physical location(s) of a file on the media.

 DOS uses one of two schemes for defining the File Allocation Table:
        1) a 12-bit FAT, for DOS 1.x, 2.x, all floppies, and small hard disks
        2) a 16-bit FAT, for DOS 3.x+ hard disks from 16.8 to 32Mb

 This section explains how DOS uses the FAT to convert the clusters of a file
into logical sector numbers. It is recommended that system utilities use the
DOS handle calls rather than interpreting the FAT, particularly since
aftermarket disk partitioning or formatting software may have been used.

 The FAT is used by DOS to allocate disk space for files, one cluster at a time.
In DOS 4.0, clusters are referred to as "allocation units." It means the same
things; the smallest logical portion of a drive.

 The FAT consists of a 12 bit entry (1.5 bytes) for each cluster on the disk or
a 16 bit (2 bytes) entry when a hard disk has more than 20740 sectors as is the
case with fixed disks larger than 10Mb.

 The first two FAT entries map a portion of the directory; these FAT entries
contain indicators of the size and format of the disk. The FAT can be in a 12
or 16 bit format. DOS determines whether a disk has a 12 or 16 bit FAT by
looking at the total number of allocation units on a disk. For all diskettes
and hard disks with DOS partitions less than 20,740 sectors, the FAT uses a 12
bit value to map a cluster. For larger partitions, DOS uses a 16 bit value.

 The second, third, and fourth bit applicable for 16 bit FAT bytes always
contains 0FFFFh. The first byte is used as follows:


Media Descriptor Byte ................................................. 8**4

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                 M E D I A    D E S C R I P T O R    B Y T E                  │
├──────────┬──────────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────┤
│hex value │              meaning             │         normally used          │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    00    │ hard disk                        │ 3.3+ extended DOS partition    │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    ED    │ double sided  9 sector 80 track  │ Tandy 2000 720k         (5¼)   │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    F0    │ double sided  18 sector diskette │ PS/2 1.44 meg DSHD             │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    F8    │ hard disk                        │ bootable hard disk at C:800    │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    F8    │ 720k floppy, 9 sector 80 track   │ Sanyo 55x, DS-DOS 2.11  (5¼)   │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    F9    │ double sided  15 sector diskette │ AT 1.2 meg DSHD                │
│          │ double sided  9  sector diskette │ Convertible 720k DSQD          │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    FA    │ IBM Displaywriter System disk    │ 287k                           │
│          │ Kodak "4 meg"  (Pelican)         │ 4.4 meg                 (5¼)   │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    FB    │ IBM Displaywriter System disk    │ 1 meg                   (5¼)   │
│          │ Kodak "6 meg"  (Pelican)         │ 5.5 meg                 (5¼)   │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    FC    │ single sided  9  sector diskette │ DOS 2.0, 180k SSDD      (5¼)   │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    FD    │ double sided  9  sector diskette │ DOS 2.0, 360k DSDD      (5¼)   │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    FF    │ double sided 36  sector diskette │ Practidisk 2.88mb DSED  (3½)   │
│          │ single sided  8  sector diskette │ DOS 1.0, 160k SSDD      (5¼)   │
│          │ double sided  8  sector diskette │ DOS 1.1, 320k SSDD      (5¼)   │
│          │ hard disk                        │ Sanyo 55x with DS-DOS 2.11     │
├──────────┴───────────┬──────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────┘
│for 8 inch diskettes: │
├──────────┬───────────┴──────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────┐
│    FD    │ double sided  26 sector diskette │ IBM 3740 format DSSD           │
├──────────┼──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│    FE    │ single sided  26 sector diskette │ IBM 3740 format SSSD           │
│          ├──────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────┤
│          │ double sided  8  sector diskette │ IBM 3740 format DSDD           │
└──────────┴──────────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────┘



The third FAT entry begins mapping the data area (cluster 002).

NOTE: These values are provided as a reference. Therefore, programs should not
      make use of these values.

 Each entry contains three hexadecimal characters for 12-bit FATs or four for
16-bit FATs.

The possible entries are:

   12-bit   |   16-bit
            |
      000h  |        0000h   if the cluster is unused and available

      0FF7h |        0FFF7h  bad cluster (if not part of the allocation chain)
            |
0FF0h-0FF7h | 0FFF0h-0FFF7h  to indicate reserved clusters
            |
0FF8h-0FFFh | 0FFF8h-0FFFFh  to indicate the last cluster of a file (EOF)
            |
       xxxH |         xxxxH  any other hexadecimal numbers are the cluster
            |                number of the next cluster in the file. The
            |                cluster number is the first cluster in the file
            |                that is kept in the file's directory entry.

 The file allocation table always occupies the sector or sectors immediately
following the boot record. If the FAT is larger than 1 sector, the sectors
occupy consecutive sector numbers. Two copies of the FAT are written, one
following the other, for integrity. The FAT is read into one of the DOS buffers
whenever needed (open, allocate more space, etc).



12 Bit File Allocation Table .......................................... 8**5

Obtain the starting cluster of the file from the directory entry.

Now, to locate each subsequent sector of the file:

1. Multiply the cluster number just used by 1.5 (each FAT entry is 1.5
   bytes long).
2. The whole part of the product is offset into the FAT, pointing to the entry
   that maps the cluster just used. That entry contains the cluster number of
   the next cluster in the file.
3. Use a MOV instruction to move the word at the calculated FAT into a register.
4. If the last cluster used was an even number, keep the low order 12 bits of
   the register, otherwise, keep the high order 12 bits.
5. If the resultant 12 bits are (0FF8h-0FFFh) no more clusters are in the file.
   Otherwise, the next 12 bits contain the cluster number of the next cluster in
   the file.

  To convert the cluster to a logical sector number (relative sector, such as
that used by int 25h and 26h and DEBUG):

1. Subtract 2 from the cluster number
2. Multiply the result by the number of sectors per cluster.
3. Add the logical sector number of the beginning of the data area.

12-bit FAT if DOS partition is smaller than 32,680 sectors (16.340 MB).



16 Bit File Allocation Table .......................................... 8**6

 Obtain the starting cluster of the file from the directory entry. Now to
locate each subsequent cluster of the file:

1.  Multiply the cluster number used by 2 (each FAT entry is 2 bytes long).
2.  Use the MOV word instruction to move the word at the calculated FAT offset
    into a register.
3.  If the resultant 16 bits are (0FF8h-0FFFFh) no more clusters are in the
    file. Otherwise, the 16 bits contain the cluster number of the next cluster
    in the file.




DOS Disk Directory .................................................... 8**8

 The FORMAT command initially builds the root directory for all disks. Its
location (logical sector number) and the maximum number of entries are
available through the device driver interfaces.

 Since directories other than the root directory are actually files, there is
no limit to the number of entries that they may contain.

 All directory entries are 32 bytes long, and are in the following format:
┌───────┬─────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│offset │  size   │                  DISK DIRECTORY ENTRY
├───────┼─────────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│  00h  │ 8 bytes │ Filename
│       ├─────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │ The first byte of the filename indicates the file status.
│       │ The file status byte may contain the following values:
│       ├──────┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │  00h │ Directory entry has never been used. This is used to limit
│       │      │ the length of directory searches, for performance reasons.
│       │  05h │ Indicates that the first character of the filename actually
│       │      │ has an 0EDh character.
│       │ 0E5h │ Filename has been used but the file has been erased.
│       │  2Eh │ This entry is for a directory. If the second byte is also
│       │      │ 2Eh, the cluster field contains the cluster number of this
│       │      │ directory's parent directory. (0000h if the parent directory
│       │      │ is the root directory). Otherwise, bytes 00h-0Ah are all
│       │      │ spaces and the cluster field contains the cluster number of
│       │      │ the directory.
│       ├──────┴───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │ Any other character is the first character of a filename. Filenames
│       │ are left-aligned and if necessary padded with blanks.
├───────┼─────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│  08h  │ 3 bytes │ Filename extension if any
│       ├─────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │ Three characters, left-aligned and padded with blanks if necessary.
│       │ If there is no file extension, this field contains all blanks
├───────┼─────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│  0Bh  │ 1 byte  │ File attributes
│       ├─────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │          The attribute byte is mapped as follows:
│       ├─────┬───┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │ hex │bit│                    meaning
│       ├─────┼───┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │ 00h │   │ (no bits set) normal; can be read or written without
│       │     │   │ restriction
│       │ 01h │ 0 │ file is marked read-only. An attempt to open the file for
│       │     │   │ output using int 21h/fn 3Dh will fail and an error code
│       │     │   │ will be returned. This value can be used with other values
│       │     │   │ below.
│       │ 02h │ 1 │ indicates a hidden file. The file is excluded from normal
│       │     │   │ directory searches.
│       │ 04h │ 2 │ indicates a system file. The file is excluded from normal
│       │     │   │ directory searches.
│       │ 08h │ 3 │ indicates that the entry contains the volume label in the
│       │     │   │ first 11 bytes. The entry has no other usable information
│       │     │   │ and may exist only in the root directory.
│       │ 10h │ 4 │ indicates that the file is a subdirectory
│       │ 20h │ 5 │ indicates an archive bit. This bit is set to on whenever
│       │     │   │ the file is written to and closed. Used by BACKUP and
│       │     │   │ RESTORE.
│       │     │ 6 │ reserved, set to 0
│       │     │ 7 │ reserved, set to 0
│       ├─────┴───┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │ note 1) Bits 6 and 7 may be used in OS/2.
│       │ note 2) Attributes 08h and 10h cannot be changed using int21/43h.
│       │ note 3) The system files IBMBIO.COM and IBMDOS.COM (or customized
│       │         equivalent) are marked as read-only, hidden, and system
│       │         files. Files can be marked hidden when they are created.
│       │ note 4) Read-only, hidden, system and archive attributes may be
│       │         changed with int21h/fn43h.
├───────┼─────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│  0Ch  │ 10 bytes│ Reserved by DOS; value unknown
├───────┼─────────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│  16h  │ 2 bytes │ File timestamp
│       ├─────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │ These bytes contain the time when the file was created or last
│       │  updated. The time is mapped in the bits as follows:
│       ├───────────────────────────────┬───────────────────────────────┐
│       │         B Y T E   16h         │         B Y T E   17h         │
│       ├───────────────────────────────┼───────────────────────────────┤
│       │ F   E   D   C   B   A   9   8 │ 7   6   5   4   3   2   1   0 │
│       ├───────────────────┬───────────┴───────────┬───────────────────┤
│       │ H   H   H   H   H │ M   M   M   M   M   M │ D   D   D   D   D │
│       ├───────────────────┼───────────────────────┼───────────────────┤
│       │ binary # hrs 0-23 │ binary # minutes 0-59 │ bin. # 2-sec incr │
│       ├───────────────────┴───────────────────────┴───────────────────┘
│       │ note: The time is stored with the least significant byte first.
├───────┼─────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│  18h  │ 2 bytes │ File datestamp
│       ├─────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │ This area contains the date when the file was created or last
│       │ updated. The mm/dd/yy are mapped in the bits as follows:
│       ├───────────────────────────────┬───────────────────────────────┐
│       │         B Y T E   18h         │         B Y T E   19h         │
│       ├───────────────────────────────┼───────────────────────────────┤
│       │ F   E   D   C   B   A   9   8 │ 7   6   5   4   3   2   1   0 │
│       ├───────────────────────────┬───┴───────────┬───────────────────┤
│       │ Y   Y   Y   Y   Y   Y   Y │ M   M   M   M │ D   D   D   D   D │
│       ├───────────────────────────┼───────────────┼───────────────────┤
│       │     0-119 (1980-2099)     │     1-12      │       1-31        │
│       ├───────────────────────────┴───────────────┴───────────────────┘
│       │ note: The date is stored with the least significant byte first.
├───────┼─────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│  1Ah  │ 2 bytes │ First file cluster number
│       ├─────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │ * (reserved in DOS 2, documented in DOS 3+)
│       │ This area contains the starting cluster number of the first cluster
│       │ in the file. The first cluster for data space on all fixed disks and
│       │ floppy disks is always cluster 002. The cluster number is stored
│       │ with the least significant byte first.
├───────┼─────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│  1Ch  │ 4 bytes │ File size
│       ├─────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│       │ This area contains the file size in bytes. The first word contains
│       │ the low order part of the size. Both words are stored with the least
│       │ significant byte first.
└───────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────



The Data Area ......................................................... 8**9

 Allocation of space for a file (in the data area) is done only when needed
(it is not preallocated). The space is allocated one cluser (unit allocation)
at a time. A cluster is always one or more consecutive sector numbers, and all
of the clusters in a file are "chained" together in the FAT.

 The clusters are arranged on disk to minimize head movement for multisided
media. All of the space on a track (or cylinder) is allocated before moving
on to the next track. This is accomplished by using the sequential sector
numbers on the lowest-numbered head, then all the sector numbers on the next
head, and so on until all sectors of all heads of the track are used. Then the
next sector used will be sector 1 of head 0 on the next track.

 An interesting innovation that was introduced in MS-DOS 3.0: disk space that
is freed by erasing a file is not re-used immediately, unlike earlier versions
of DOS. Instead, free space is obtained from the area not yet used during the
current session, until all of it is used up. Only then will space that is freed
during the current session be re-used.

 This feature minimizes fragmentation of files, since never-before-used space
is always contiguous. However, once any space has been freed by deleting a file,
that advantage vanishes at the next system boot. The feature also greatly
simplifies un-erasing files, provided that the need to do an un-erase is found
during the same session and also provided that the file occupies contiguous
clusters.

 However, when one is using programs which make extensive use of temporary
files, each of which may be created and erased many times during a session,
the feature becomes a nuisance; it forces the permanent files to move farther
and farther into the inner tracks of the disk, thus increasing rather than
decreasing the amount of fragmentation which occurs.

 The feature is implemented in DOS by means of a single 16-bit "last cluster
used" (LCU) pointer for each physical disk drive; this pointer is a part of
the physical drive table maintained by DOS. At boot time, the LCU pointer is
zeroed. Each time another cluster is obtained from the free-space pool (the
FAT), its number is written into the LCU pointer. Each time a fresh cluster
is required, the FAT is searched to locate a free one; in older versions of
DOS this search always began at Cluster 0000, but in 3.x it begins at the
cluster pointed to by the LCU pointer.

 For hard disks, the size of the file allocation table and directory are
determined when FORMAT initializes it and are based on the size of the DOS
partition.



Floppy Disk Types ..................................................... 8**10

The following tables give the specifications for floppy disk formats:

IBM PC-DOS disk formats:
                 # of      FAT size   DIR     total
                 sides    (sectors)(entries) sectors
                   │  sectors  │  DIR  │ sectors│
                   │  /track   │sectors│/cluster│
                   │     │     │   │   │   │    │
┌─────┬──┬───────┬─┴─┬───┴───┬─┴─┬─┴─┬─┴─┬─┴─┬──┴─┬────────────────────────────
│ 160k│5¼│DOS 1.0│ 1 │ 8 (40)│ 1 │ 4 │ 64│ 1 │ 320│Original PC-0, 16k mbd
│ 320k│5¼│DOS 1.1│ 2 │ 8 (40)│ 1 │ 7 │112│ 2 │ 360│PC-1, 64k mbd
│ 180k│5¼│DOS 2.0│ 1 │ 9 (40)│ 2 │ 4 │ 64│ 1 │ 640│PC-2, 256k mbd
│ 360k│5¼│DOS 2.0│ 2 │ 9 (40)│ 2 │ 7 │112│ 2 │ 720│PC/XT
│ 1.2M│5¼│DOS 3.0│ 2 │15 (80)│ 7 │14 │224│ 1 │2400│PC/AT, PC/RT, XT/286
│ 720k│3½│DOS 3.2│ 2 │ 9 (80)│ 3 │ 7 │112│ 2 │1440│Convertible, PS/2 25+
│1.44M│3½│DOS 3.3│ 2 │18 (80)│ 9 │14 │224│ 1 │2880│PS/2 50+
└─────┴──┴───────┴───┴───────┴───┴───┴───┴───┴────┴────────────────────────────
various MS-DOS disk formats:
┌─────┬──┬───────┬─┴─┬───┴───┬─┴─┬─┴─┬─┴─┬─┴─┬──┴─┬────────────────────────────
│ 200k│5¼│  *    │ 1 │10 (40)│   │   │   │   │    │
│ 400k│5¼│  * ** │ 2 │10 (40)│   │   │   │   │    │
│ 800k│5¼│  *    │ 2 │10 (80)│   │   │   │   │    │
│ 720k│2 │       │   │       │   │   │   │   │    │Zenith SuperSport 2-inch
│ 720k│5¼│DOS2.11│ 2 │ 9 (80)│ 3 │ 7 │112│ 2 │1440│Tandy 2000 (discontinued)
│2.88M│3½│       │ 2 │36 (80)│   │   │   │   │5760│Practidisk 2.88mb floppy
│2720k│5¼│  ***  │ 2 │17(192)│ 8 │   │272│ 4 │5440│Pelican (Kodak 3.3Mb)(disc.)
│5570k│5¼│  ***  │ 2 │17(384)│ 8 │   │272│ 4 │10880Pelican (Kodak 6.6Mb)(disc.)
└─────┴──┴───────┴───┴───────┴───┴───┴───┴───┴────┴────────────────────────────
*   Michtron DS-DOS 2.11 Plus and one version of MS-DOS 3.11 (vendor unknown)
**  TallTree JFormat program
*** Pelican driver source calls for 2 sectors/cluster, Norton Utils reports 4.
┌─────┬──┬───────┬─┴─┬───┴───┬─┴─┬─┴─┬─┴─┬─┴─┬──┴─┬────────────────────────────
│ 400k│5¼│DOS2.11│ 1 │10 (80)│   │   │   │   │ 800│DEC Rainbow  SS/HD   (disc.)
│ 720k│5¼│DOS2.11│ 2 │variable number of sectors  │Victor 9000 PC   (discont'd)
└─────┴──┴───────┴───┤per track, more sectors on  ├────────────────────────────
                     │outer tracks than inner     │
                     │tracks. Special DSDD drive. │
                     └────────────────────────────┘

 Some oddball DOS versions specify "zero" heads in their data area. HP's
single-sided disk format (16 256-byte sectors/track, model unknown) uses a
zero-based parameter for the number of heads. Without special device driver
software to "fix" this, these disks are basically unusable by normal DOS.

 A couple of people have reported that the IBM "Gearbox" industrial PC uses
an 800k 3.5 inch floppy with 10 sectors and 80 tracks. I've been unable to
confirm this.

 Files in the data area are not necessarily written sequentially. The data area
space is allocated one cluster at a time, skipping over clusters already
allocated. The first free cluster found is the next cluster allocated,
regardless of its physical location on the disk. This permits the most efficient
utilization of disk space because clusters freed by erasing files can be
allocated for new files. Refer back to the description of the DOS FAT in this
chapter for more information.

        SSDD    single sided, double density     (160-180k)     5¼
        DSDD    double sided, double density     (320-360k)     5¼
        DSQD    double sided, quad density       (720k)         5¼, 3½, 2
        DSHD    double sided, high density       (1.2-1.44M)    5¼, 3½
        DSED    double sided, extra high density (2.88M)        3½

 Much of the trouble with AT 1.2 meg drives has been through the inadverdent
use of quad density disks in the high density drives. The high density disks
use a higher-coercivity media than the quads, and quads are not completely
reliable as 1.2Mb. Make sure you have the correct disk for your application.


ROTATION SPEEDS:

        720k,   3½"    (unknown)  note: Zenith has discontinued 2" floppies

        720k,   3½"    300 RPM
        1.44Mb, 3½"    300 RPM

        360k,   5¼"    300 RPM
        720k,   5¼"    300 RPM
        1.2mb,  5¼"    360 RPM   (even when reading 360k diskettes)

        all      8"    360 RPM

 The Victor 9000's 5¼" floppies could vary their rotational speed as required.
This allowed them to put 720k on a standard 360k floppy, using a constant
density throughout.

 The Central Point CopyIIPC Option Board emulates the Macintosh GCR recording
format by varying the data rate instead of the rotational speed.




HARD DISK LAYOUT ...................................................... 8**11

 The DOS hard disk routines perform the following services:

1) Allow multiple operating systems to be installed on the hard disk at the
   same time.

2) Allow a user-selected operating system to be started from the hard disk.

   I) In order to share the hard disk among operating systems, the disk may be
      logically divided into 1 to 4 partitions. The space within a given
      partition is contiguous, and can be dedicated to a specific operating
      system. Each operating system may "own" only one partition in DOS versions
      2.0 through 3.2. DOS 3.3 introduced the "Extended DOS Partition" which
      allows multiple DOS partitions on the same hard disk. FDISK (or a
      similar program from other DOS vendors) utility allows the user to select
      the number, type, and size of each partition. The partition information is
      kept in a partition table that is embedded in the master hard disk boot
      record on the first sector of the disk. The format of this table varies
      from version to version of DOS.

  II) An operating system must consider its partition to be the entire disk,
      and must ensure that its functions and utilities do not access other
      partitions on the disk.

 III) Each partition may contain a boot record on its first sector, and any
      other programs or data that you choose, including a different operating
      system. For example, the DOS FORMAT command may be used to format and
      place a copy of DOS in the DOS partition in the same manner that a
      diskette is formatted. You can use FDISK to designate a partition as
      "active" (bootable). The master hard disk boot record causes that
      partition's boot record to receive control when the system is
      initialized. Additional disk partitions could be FORTH, UNIX, Pick,
      CP/M-86, OS/2 HPFS, Concurrent DOS, Xenix, or the UCSD p-System.



SYSTEM INITIALIZATION ................................................. 8**12

The boot sequence is as follows:

1. System initialization first attempts to load an operating system from
   diskette drive A. If the drive is not ready or a read error occurs, it then
   attempts to read a master hard disk boot record on the first sector of the
   first hard disk in the system. If unsuccessful, or if no hard disk is
   present, it invokes ROM BASIC in an IBM PC or displays a disk error
   message on most compatibles.

2. If initialization is successful, the master hard disk boot record is given
   control and it examines the partition table embedded within it. If one of
   the entries indicates an active (bootable) partition, its boot record is
   read from the partition's first sector and given control.

3. If none of the partitions is bootable, ROM BASIC is invoked on an IBM PC or
    a disk error on most compatibles.

4. If any of the boot indicators are invalid, or if more than one indicator is
   marked as bootable, the message "INVALID PARTITION TABLE "is displayed and
   the system stops.

5. If the partition's boot record cannot be successfully read within five
   retries due to read errors, the message "ERROR LOADING OPERATING SYSTEM"
   appears and the system stops.

6. If the partition's boot record does not contain a valid "signature", the
   message "MISSING OPERATING SYSTEM" appears, and the system stops.

NOTE: When changing the size or location of any partition, you must ensure that
      all existing data on the disk has been backed up. The partitioning program
      will destroy the data on the disk.

 System programmers designing a utility to initialize/manage a hard disk must
provide the following functions at a minimum:

1. Write the master disk boot record/partition table to the disk's first
   sector to initialize it.

2. Perform partitioning of the disk - that is, create or update the partition
   table information (all fields for the partition) when the user wishes
   to create a partition. This may be limited to creating a partition for only
   one type of operating system, but must allow repartitoning the entire disk,
   or adding a partition without interfering with existing partitions (user's
   choice).

3. Provide a means for marking a user-specified partition as bootable and
   resetting the bootable indicator bytes for all other partitions at the same
   time.

4. Such utilities should not change or move any partition information that
   belongs to another operating system.




BOOT RECORD/PARTITION TABLE ........................................... 8**13

 A boot record must be written on the first sector of all hard disks, and
must contain the following:

1. Code to load and give control to the boot record for one of four possible
   operating systems.

2. A partition table at the end of the boot record. Each table entry is 16
   bytes long, and contains the starting and ending cylinder, sector, and head
   for each of four possible partitions, as well as the number of sectors
   preceding the partition and the number of sectors occupied by the partition.
   The "boot indicator" byte is used by the boot record to determine if one of
   the partitions contains a loadable operating system. FDISK initialization
   utilities mark a user-selected partition as "bootable" by placing a value
   of 80h in the corresponding partition's boot indicator (setting all other
   partitions' indicators to 0 at the same time). The presence of the 80h tells
   the standard boot routine to load the sector whose location is contained in
   the following three bytes. That sector is the actual boot record for the
   selected operating system, and it is responsible for the remainder of the
   system's loading process (as it is from the diskette). All boot records are
   loaded at absolute address 0:7C00.

The partition table with its offsets into the boot record is:
┌──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬────────┬────────────────────────────────────
│  Offset  │  Offset  │  Offset  │        │
│from Start│from Start│from Start│  Size  │ Description
│ of Disk  │ of Entry │ of Disk  │        │
├──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼────────┼────────────────────────────────────
│          │    00h   │   0BEh   │ 1 byte │ boot indicator
│          │    01h   │   0BFh   │ 1 byte │ beginning head
│   1BEh   │    02h   │   0C0h   │ 1 byte │ beginning sector
│ (part 1) │    03h   │   0C1h   │ 1 byte │ beginning cylinder
│ 16 bytes │    04h   │   0C2h   │ 1 byte │ system indicator
│          │    05h   │   0C3h   │ 1 byte │ ending head
│          │    06h   │   0C4h   │ 1 byte │ ending sector
│          │    07h   │   0C5h   │ 1 byte │ ending cylinder
│          │    08h   │   0C6h   │ 4 bytes│ relative (starting) sector
│          │    0Ch   │   0DAh   │ 4 bytes│ number of sectors
├──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼────────┼────────────────────────────────────
│          │    00h   │   0DEh   │ 1 byte │ boot indicator
│          │    01h   │   0DFh   │ 1 byte │ beginning head
│   1CEh   │    02h   │   0E0h   │ 1 byte │ beginning sector
│ (part 2) │    03h   │   0E1h   │ 1 byte │ beginning cylinder
│ 16 bytes │    04h   │   0E2h   │ 1 byte │ system indicator
│          │    05h   │   0E3h   │ 1 byte │ ending head
│          │    06h   │   0E4h   │ 1 byte │ ending sector
│          │    07h   │   0E5h   │ 1 byte │ ending cylinder
│          │    08h   │   0E6h   │ 4 bytes│ relative (starting) sector
│          │    0Ch   │   0EAh   │ 4 bytes│ number of sectors
├──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼────────┼────────────────────────────────────
│          │    00h   │   0FEh   │ 1 byte │ boot indicator
│          │    01h   │   0FFh   │ 1 byte │ beginning head
│   1DEh   │    02h   │   0100h  │ 1 byte │ beginning sector
│ (part 3) │    03h   │   0101h  │ 1 byte │ beginning cylinder
│ 16 bytes │    04h   │   0102h  │ 1 byte │ system indicator
│          │    05h   │   0103h  │ 1 byte │ ending head
│          │    06h   │   0104h  │ 1 byte │ ending sector
│          │    07h   │   0105h  │ 1 byte │ ending cylinder
│          │    08h   │   0106h  │ 4 bytes│ relative (starting) sector
│          │    0Ch   │   010Ah  │ 4 bytes│ number of sectors
├──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼────────┼────────────────────────────────────
│          │    00h   │   010Eh  │ 1 byte │ boot indicator
│          │    01h   │   011Fh  │ 1 byte │ beginning head
│   1EEh   │    02h   │   0110h  │ 1 byte │ beginning sector
│ (part 4) │    03h   │   0111h  │ 1 byte │ beginning cylinder
│ 16 bytes │    04h   │   0112h  │ 1 byte │ system indicator
│          │    05h   │   0113h  │ 1 byte │ ending head
│          │    06h   │   0114h  │ 1 byte │ ending sector
│          │    07h   │   0115h  │ 1 byte │ ending cylinder
│          │    08h   │   0116h  │ 4 bytes│ relative (starting) sector
│          │    0Ch   │   011Ah  │ 4 bytes│ number of sectors
├──────────┼──────────┴──────────┼────────┼────────────────────────────────────
│   1FEh   │                     │ 2 bytes│ 055AAh signature
└──────────┴─────────────────────┴────────┴────────────────────────────────────

 Boot indicator (boot ind): The boot indicator byte must contain 0 for a non-
bootable partition or 80h for a bootable partition. Only one partition can be
marked as bootable at a time.

 System Indicator (sys ind): The sys ind field contains an indicator of the
operating system that "owns" the partition. IBM PC-DOS can only "own" one
partition, though some versions of MSDOS allow all four partitions to be used
by DOS.

 The system indicators are:

        ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
        │                 System Indicator  (sys ind)                 │
        ├───────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  00h  │  unknown or no partition defined                    │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  01h  │  DOS 12 bit FAT  (DOS 2.x all and 3.x+ under 16 Mb) │
        │       │                  less than 4086 clusters            │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  02h  │  Xenix                                              │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  03h  │  Xenix                                              │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  04h  │  DOS 16 bit FAT  (DOS 3.0+. Not recognized by 2.x)  │
        │       │                  less than 65,536 sectors           │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  05h  │  extended DOS partition, some 3.2 and all 3.3+      │
        │       │  (pointer to further partition table)               │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  06h  │  Compaq DOS 3.31, DOS 4.0+ partitions over 32 megs  │
        │       │  Digital Research DRDOS 3.4, 3.41 over 32 megs      │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  06h  │  PC-MOS/386 partitions over 32 megs (NOT compatible │
        │       │  with the DR, Compaq, and MSDOS big partitions!     │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  07h  │  OS/2 High Performance File System                  │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  051h │  Ontrack Disk Manager "read/write" partitions       │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  0DBh │  DRI Concurrent DOS              (>32mb partitions?)│
        │       │  DRI Concurrent CP/M?                               │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  0E4h │  Speedstor, small partitions (?) (under 1024cyl?)   │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  0F2h │  2nd DOS partition, some OEM customized DOS 3.2     │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  0F4h │  Speedstor, large partitions (?)                    │
        ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
        │  0FEh │  Speedstor, partitions >1024 cylinders              │
        └───────┴─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

 There are ID bytes for proprietary formatting schemes. Some manufacturers
(such as Zenith, Wyse, and Tandon) diddle with these system bytes to implement
more than one DOS partition per disk.

note 1) Xenix doesn't like extended DOS partitions a'la DOS 3.3, limiting you
        to a DOS partition of 32Mb. Xenix doesn't recognize DOS 4.0x at all,
        so to use it you need to boot from a floppy. Early versions of OS/2
        also have this problem.
    2)  I have found one source listing Minix partitions as "40" and some
        Unix partitions as "63".  I don't know if these are decimal or
        hexadecimal figures.

 Cylinder (CYL) and Sector (S): The 1 byte fields labelled CYL contain the low
order 8 bits of the cylinder number - the high order 2 bits are in the high
order 2 bits of the sector (S) field. This corresponds with the ROM BIOS
interrupt 13h (disk I/O) requirements, to allow for a 10 bit cylinder number.

 The fields are ordered in such a manner that only two MOV instructions are
required to properly set up the DX and CX registers for a ROM BIOS call to
load the appropriate boot record (hard disk booting is only possible from the
first hard disk in the system, where a BIOS drive number of 80h corresponds
to the boot indicator byte).

 All partitions are allocated in cylinder multiples and begin on sector 1,
head 0, with the exception that the partition that is allocated at the beginning
of the disk starts at sector 2, to account for the hard disk's master boot
record.

 Relative (starting) Sector: The number of sectors preceding each partition
on the disk is kept in this 4 byte field. This value is determined by counting
the sectors beginning with cylinder 0, sector 1, head 0 of the disk, and
incrementing the sector, head, and then track values up to the beginning of
the partition. This, if the disk has 17 sectors per track and 4 heads, and the
second partition begins at cylinder 1, sector 1, head 0, then the partition's
starting relative sector is 68 (decimal) - there were 17 sectors on each of 4
heads on 1 track allocated ahead of it. The field is stored with the least
significant word first.

 Number of sectors (#sects): The number of sectors allocated to the partition
is kept in the "# of sects" field. This is a 4 byte field stored least
significant word first.

 Signature: The last 2 bytes of the boot record (55AAh) are used as a signature
to identify a valid boot record. Both this record and the partition boot record
are required to contain the signature at offset 1FEh.



HARD DISK TECHNICAL INFORMATION ....................................... 8**14

 Western Digital's hard disk installation manuals make the claim that MSDOS
can support only 2 hard drives. This is entirely false, and their purpose for
making the claim is unclear. DOS merely performs a function call pointed at
the hard disk driver, which is normally in one of three locations; a ROM at
absolute address C:800, the main BIOS ROM if the machine is an AT, or a device
driver installed through the CONFIG.SYS file. Two hard disk controller cards
can normally not reside in the same machine due to lack of interrupt
arbitration. Perstor's ARLL controller and some cards marketed by Novell can
coexist with other controllers. Perstor's technical department has had four
controllers and eight hard disks in the same IBM XT functioning concurrently.

 A valid hard disk has a boot record arranged in the following manner:

        db      drive           ; 0 or 80h  (80h marks a bootable, active
                                             partition)
        db      head1           ; starting head
        dw      trksec1         ; starting track/sector (CX value for INT 13)
        db      system          ; SYS IND ID from table above
        db      head2           ; ending head
        dw      trksec2         ; ending track/sector
        dd      sector1         ; absolute # of starting sector
        dd      sector2         ; absolute # of last sector

 The master disk boot record invokes ROM BASIC if no indicator byte reflects a
bootable system.

 When a partition's boot record is given control, it is passed its partition
table entry address in the DS:SI registers.



DETERMINING HARD DISK ALLOCATION ...................................... 8**15

DOS determines disk allocation using the following formula:

                                         D * BPD
                            TS - RS -  ───────────
                                           BPS
                      SPF = ──────────────────────────────
                                        BPS * SPC
                                 CF + ──────────────
                                           BPC
where:

     TS      Total number of sectors on the disk
     RS      The number of sectors at the beginning of the disk that are
             reserved for the boot record. DOS normally reserves 1 sector.
     D       The number of directory entries in the root directory.
     BPD     The number of bytes per directory entry. This is always 32.
     BPS     The number of bytes per logical sector. Typically 512, but you can
             specify a different number with VDISK.
     CF      The number of FATS per disk. Usually 2. VDISK is 1.
     SPF     The number of sectors per FAT. Maximum 64.
     SPC     The number of sectors per allocation unit (cluster).
     BPC     The number of bytes per FAT entry. BPC is 1.5 for 12 bit FATs.
             2 for 16 bit FATS.


To calculate the minimum partition size that will force a 16-bit FAT:

        CYL = (max clusters * 8)/(HEADS * SPT)

where:
     CYL           number of cylinders on the disk
     max clusters  4092 (maximum number of clusters for a 12 bit FAT)
     HEADS         number of heads on the hard disk
     SPT           sectors per track  (normally 17 on MFM)


 DOS 2.0 through 3.3 limit partition sizes to 32 megabytes. The limit arises
from the fact that DOS does things by sector number, and each sector is stored
as a word. So the largest sector number DOS can count to is 64k. As each
sector is 512 bytes long, 64k * .5k = 32Mb. The easiest way for an aftermarket
disk handler to break the 32Mb barrier is probably to increase the sector size
- with 2k sectors, maximum partiton size increases to 128Mb. However, the BIOS
boot routines and IBMBIO.COM are hardwired for 512 byte sectors, so you won't
be able to boot from a drive with oversize sectors. That's why Disk Manager
formats a small boot partition by default.

 DOS 2.x uses a "first fit" algorithm when allocating file space on the hard
disk. Each time an application requests disk space, it will scan from the
beginning of the FAT until it finds a contiguous peice of storage large enough
for the file.

 DOS 3.x+ keeps a pointer into the disk space, and begins its search from the
point it last left off. This pointer is lost when the system is rebooted.
This is called the "next fit" algorithm. It is faster than the first fit and
helps minimize fragmentation.

 In either case, if the FCB function calls are used instead of the handle
function calls, the file will be broken into pieces starting with the first
available space on the disk.




BIOS Disk Routines .................................................... 8**16

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Interrupt 13h  Disk I/O - access the disk drives (floppy and hard disk)      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(0:004Ch)    1) These calls do not try rereading disk if an error is returned.
             2) In the IBM OS/2 Tech Ref Volume 1, page 7-33, under "DOS
                Environment Software Interrupt Support", it lists:
                13h  disk/diskette     for non-removable media only, these
                                       functions are supported:
                                       01h     read status
                                       02h     read sectors
                                       0Ah     read long
                                       15h     read DASD (disk) type
             3) On hard disk systems these calls may be vectored through the
                int 40h hard disk BIOS.


Function 00h    Reset - reset the disk controller chip
entry   AH      00h
        DL      drive (if bit 7 is set both hard disks and floppy disks reset)
                00h-7Fh  floppy disk
                80h-0FFh hard disk
return  AH      status (see 01h below)
note 1) Forces controller chip to recalibrate read/write heads.
     2) Some systems (Sanyo 55x, Columbia MPC) this resets all drives.
     3) This function should be called after a failed floppy disk Read, Write,
        Verify, or Format request before retrying the operation.
     4) If called with DL >= 80h (i.e., selecting a hard drive), the floppy
        controller and then the hard disk controller are reset.
     5) Function 0Dh allows the hard disk controller to be reset without
        affecting the floppy controller.


Function 01h    Get Status of Disk System
entry   AH      01h
        DL      drive (hard disk if bit 7 set)
                00h-7Fh  floppy disk
                80h-0FFh hard disk
return  AH      00h
        AL      status of most recent disk operation
                00h     successful completion, no errors
                01h     bad command
                02h     address mark not found
                03h     tried to write on write-protected disk    (floppy only)
                04h     sector not found
                05h     reset failed                                (hard disk)
                06h     diskette removed or changed               (floppy only)
                07h     bad parameter table                         (hard disk)
                08h     DMA overrun                               (floppy only)
                09h     attempt to DMA across 64K boundary
                0Ah     bad sector detected                         (hard disk)
                0Bh     bad track detected                          (hard disk)
                0Ch     unsupported track or media type not found (floppy disk)
                0Dh     invalid number of sectors on format         (hard disk)
                0Eh     control data address mark detected          (hard disk)
                0Fh     DMA arbitration level out of range          (hard disk)
                10h     uncorrectable CRC/EEC on read
                11h     ECC corrected data error                    (hard disk)
                20h     controller failure
                40h     seek failed
                80h     timeout
                0AAh    drive not ready                             (hard disk)
                0BBh    undefined error                             (hard disk)
                0CCh    write fault                                 (hard disk)
                0E0h    status error                                (hard disk)
                0FFh    sense operation failed                      (hard disk)
note 1) For hard disks, error code 11h (ECC data error) indicates that a
        recoverable error was detected during a preceding int 13h fn 02h
        (Read Sector) call.


Function 02h    Read Sectors - read one or more sectors from diskette
entry   AH      02h
        AL      number of sectors to read
        BX      address of buffer (ES=segment)
        CH      track (cylinder) number (0-39 or 0-79 for floppies)
                (for hard disk, bits 8,9 in high bits of CL)
        CL      sector number (1 to 18, not value checked)
        DH      head number (0 or 1)
        DL      drive (0=A, 1=B, etc.) (bit 7=0)  (drive 0-7)
                00h-7Fh   floppy disk
                80h-FF0h  hard disk
        ES:BX   address to store/fetch data  (buffer to fill)
       [0000:0078]  dword pointer to diskette parameters
return  CF      clear   successful
                        AL      number of sectors transferred
                set     error
                        AH      status  (00h, 02h, 03h, 04h, 08h, 09h, 10h,
                                         0Ah, 20h, 40h, 80h)
note 1) Number of sectors begins with 1, not 0.
     2) Trying to read zero sectors is considered a programming error; results
        are not defined.
     3) For hard disks, the upper 2 bits of the 10-bit cylinder number are
        placed in the upper 2 bits of register CL.
     4) For hard disks, error code 11h indicates that a read error occurred
        that was corrected by the ECC algorithm; in this case, AL contains the
        burst length. The data read is good within the limits of the ECC code.
        If a multisector transfer was requested, the operation was terminated
        after the sector containing the read error.
     5) For floppy drives, an error may result from the drive motor being off
        at the time of the request. The BIOS does not automatically wait for
        the drive to come up to speed before attempting the read operation. The
        calling program should reset the floppy disk system with function 00h
        and retry the operation three times before assuming that the error
        results from some other cause.


Function 03h    Write Sectors - write from memory to disk
entry   AH      03h
        AL      number of sectors to write (1-8)
        CH      track number (for hard disk, bits 8,9 in high bits of CL)
        CL      beginning sector number
                (if hard disk, high two bits are high bits of track #)
        DH      head number  (head 0=0)
        DL      drive number (0-7)
                00h-7Fh   floppy disk
                80h-FF0h  hard disk
        ES:BX   address of buffer for data
return  CF      clear   success
                        AL      number of sectors written
                set     error
                        AH      status (see 01h above)
note 1) Number of sectors begins with 1, not 0.
     2) Trying to write zero sectors is considered a programming error; results
        are not defined.
     3) For hard disks, the upper 2 bits of the 10-bit cylinder number are
        placed in the upper 2 bits of register CL.
     4) For floppy drives, an error may result from the drive motor being off
        at the time of the request. The BIOS does not automatically wait for
        the drive to come up to speed before attempting the read operation. The
        calling program should reset the floppy disk system with function 00h
        and retry the operation three times before assuming that the error
        results from some other cause.


Function 04h    Verify - verify that a write operation was successful
entry   AH      04h
        AL      number of sectors to verify (1-8)
        CH      track number  (for hard disk, bits 8,9 in high bits of CL)
        CL      beginning sector number
        DH      head number
        DL      drive number (0-7)
        DL      drive number (0-7)
                00h-7Fh   floppy disk
                80h-FF0h  hard disk
        ES:BX   address of buffer for data
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status (see 01h above)
        AL      number of sectors verified
note 1) With IBM PC, XT, and AT with ROM BIOS earlier than 11/15/85, ES:BX
        should point to a valid buffer.
     2) For hard disks, the upper 2 bits of the 10-bit cylinder number are
        placed in the upper 2 bits of register CL.
     3) This function can be used to test whether a readable media is in a
        floppy drive. An error may result from the drive motor being off at the
        time of the request since the BIOS does not automatically wait for the
        drive to come up to speed before attempting the verify operation. The
        requesting program should reset the floppy disk system with function
        00h and retry the operation three times before assuming that a readable
        disk is not present.


Function 05h    Format Track - write sector ID bytes for 1 track (floppy disk)
entry   AH      05h
        AL      number of sectors to create on this track
                interleave (for XT hard disk only)
        CH      track (or cylinder) number (bits 8,9 in high bits of CL)
        CL      sector number
        DH      head number (0, 1)
        DL      drive number (0-3)
                00h-7Fh   floppy disk
                80h-0FFh  hard disk
        ES:BX   pointer to 4-byte address field (C-H-R-N) (except XT hard disk)
                byte 1 = (C) cylinder or track
                byte 2 = (H) head
                byte 3 = (R) sector
                byte 4 = (N) bytes/sector (0 = 128, 1 = 256, 2 = 512, 3 = 1024)
return  CF      set if error occurred
                AH      status code (see 01h above)
note 1) Not valid for ESDI hard disks on PS/2.
     2) For floppy disks, the number of sectors per track is taken from the
        BIOS floppy disk parameter table whose address is stored in the vector
        for int 1Eh.
     3) When this function is used for floppies on ATs or the PS/2, it should
        be preceded by a call to int 13h/fn 17h to select the type of media to
        format.
     4) For hard disks, the upper 2 bits of the 10-bit cylinder number are
        placed in the upper 2 bits of CL.
     5) On the XT/286, AT, and PS/2 hard disks, ES:BX points to a 512-byte
        buffer containing byte pairs for each physical disk sector as follows:
        Byte  Contents
        0       00h     good sector
                80h     bad sector
        1       sector number
        For example, to format a track with 17 sectors and an interleave of
        two, ES:BX would point to the following 34-byte array at the beginning
        of a 512-byte buffer:
        db      00h, 01h, 00h, 0Ah, 00h, 02h, 00h, 0Bh, 00h, 03h, 00h, 0Ch
        db      00h, 04h, 00h, 0Dh, 00h, 05h, 00h, 0Eh, 00h, 06h, 00h, 0Fh
        db      00h, 07h, 00h, 10h, 00h, 08h, 00h, 11h, 00h, 09h


Function 06h    Hard Disk - format track and set bad sector flags
                                                     (PC2, PC-XT, and Portable)
entry   AH      06h
        AL      interleave value (XT only)
        CH      cylinder number (bits 8,9 in high bits of CL)
        CL      sector number
        DH      head
        DL      drive (80h-0FFh for hard disk)
        ES:BX   512 byte format buffer
                the first 2*(sectors/track) bytes contain f,n for each sector
                f       00h     good sector
                        80h     bad sector
                n       sector number
return  CF      error
                AH      status code (see 01h above)


Function 07h    Hard Disk - format the drive starting at the desired track
                                                      (PC2, PC-XT and Portable)
entry   AH      07h
        AL      interleave value (XT only) (01h-10h)
        CH      cylinder number (bits 8,9 in high bits of CL) (00h-03FFh)
        CL      sector number
        DH      head number (0-7)
        DL      drive number (80h-0FFh, 80h=C, 81h=D,...)
        ES:BX   format buffer, size = 512 bytes
                the first 2*(sectors/track) bytes contain f,n for each sector
                f       00h     good sector
                        80h     bad sector
                n       sector number
return  CF      set on error
        AH      status code (see 01h above)
note    Award AT BIOS routines are extended to handle more than 1024 cylinders.
        AL      number of sectors
        CH      cylinder numberm low 8 bits
        CL      sector number bits 0-5, bits 6-7 are high 2 cylinder bits
        DH      head number (bits 0-5) bits 6-7 are extended high cyls (>1024)
        DL      drive number (0-1 for diskette, 80h-81h for hard disk)
        ES:BX   transfer address


Function 08h    Read Drive Parameters                          (except PC, Jr)
entry   AH      08h
        DL      drive number
                00h-7Fh   floppy disk
                80h-0FFh  hard disk
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status code (see above)
        BL      drive type  (AT/PS2 floppies only)
                01h     if 360 Kb, 40 track, 5¼"
                02h     if 1.2 Mb, 80 track, 5¼"
                03h     if 720 Kb, 80 track, 3½"
                04h     if 1.44 Mb, 80 track, 3½"
        CH      low 8 bits of maximum useable value for cylinder number
        CL bits 6-7     high-order 2 bits of maximum cylinder number
                0-5     maximum sector number
        DH      maximum usable value for head number
        DL      number of consecutive acknowledging drives (0-2)
        ES:DI   pointer to drive parameter table
note 1) On the PC and PC/XT, this function is supported on hard disks only.
     2) The Columbia MPC supports functions 6-14 for its hard disk. It returns
        drive information, same as int 13 function 8, except that the BL and
        ES:DI values are omitted and AL <- burst length.


Function 09h    Initialize Two Fixed Disk Base Tables    (XT, AT, XT/286, PS/2)
                (install nonstandard drive)
entry   AH      09h
        DL      80h-0FFh  hard disk number
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status code (see 01h above)
                For PC, XT hard disks, the disk parameter block format is:
                00h-01h maximum number of cylinders
                02h     maximum number of heads
                03h-04h starting reduced write current cylinder
                05h-06h starting write precompensation cylinder
                07h     maximum ECC burst length
                08h     drive options
                   bits 7       1       disable disk access retries
                        6       1       disable ECC retries
                        3-5     set to 0
                        0-2     drive option
                09h     standard timeout value
                0Ah     timeout value for format drive
                0Bh     timeout value for check drive
                0Ch-0Fh reserved

                For AT and PS/2 hard disks:
                00h-01h maximum number of cylinders
                02h     maximum number of heads
                03h-04h reserved
                05h-06h starting write precompensation cylinder
                07h     maximum ECC burst length
                08h     drive options byte
                   bits 6-7     nonzero (10, 01, or 11) if retries disabled
                        5       1       if manufacturer's defect map present at
                                        maximum cylinder + 1
                        4       not used
                        3       1       if more than 8 heads
                        0-2     not used
                09h-0Bh reserved
                0Ch-0Dh landing zone cylinder
                0Eh     sectors per track
                0Fh     reserved
note 1) For the XT, int 41h must point to the Disk Parameter Block.
     2) For the AT and PS/2, int 41h points to table for drive 0 and int 46h
        points to table for drive 1.
     3) Initializes the hard disk controller for subsequent I/O operations
        using the values found in the BIOS disk parameter block(s).
     4) This function is supported on hard disks only.


Function 0Ah    Read Long   (Hard disk)                 (XT, AT, XT/286, PS/2)
entry   AH      0Ah
        CH      cylinder number (bits 8,9 in high bits of CL)
        CL      sector number (upper 2 bits of cyl # in upper 2 bits of CL)
        DH      head number
        DL      drive ID  (80h-0FFh hard disk)
        ES:BX   pointer to buffer to fill
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status code (see 01h above)
        AL      number of sectors actually transferred
note 1) A "long" sector includes a 4 byte EEC (Extended Error Correction) code.
     2) Used for diagnostics only on PS/2 systems.
     3) This function is supported on fixed disks only.
     4) Unlike the normal Read Sector (02h) function, ECC errors are not
        automatically corrected. Multisector transfers are terminated after any
        sector with a read error.


Function 0Bh    Write Long                              (XT, AT, XT/286, PS/2)
entry   AH      0Bh
        AL      number of sectors
        CH      cylinder (bits 8,9 in high bits of CL)
        CL      sector number
        DH      head number
        DL      drive ID  (80h-0FFh hard disk)
        ES:BX   pointer to buffer containing data
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status code (see 01h above)
        AL      number of sectors actually transferred
note 1) A "long" sector includes a 4 byte EEC (Extended Error Correction) code.
     2) Used for diagnostics only on PS/2 systems.
     3) Valid for hard disks only.


Function 0Ch    Seek To Cylinder                        (except PC, PCjr)
entry   AH      0Ch
        CH      lower 8 bits of cylinder
        CL      upper 2 bits of cylinder in bits 6-7
        DH      head number
        DL      drive number (0 or 1)  (80h-0FFh for hard disk)
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status code (see 01h above)
note 1) Positions heads over a particular cylinder, but does not move any data.
     2) This function is supported on hard disks only.
     3) The upper 2 bits of the 10-bit cylinder number are placed in the upper
        2 bits of CL.
     4) The Read Sector, Read Sector Long, Write Sector, and Write Sector Long
        functions include an implied seek operation and need not be preceded by
        an explicit call to this function.


Function 0Dh    Alternate Hard Disk Reset                    (except PC, PCjr)
entry   AH      0Dh
        DL      hard drive number (80h-0FFh hard disk)
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status code (see 01h above)
note 1) Not for PS/2 ESDI hard disks.
     2) Resets the hard disk controller, recalibrates attached drives (moves
        the read/write arm to cylinder 0), and prepares for subsequent disk I/O.
     3) This function is for hard disks only. It differs from fn 00h by not
        resetting the floppy disk controller.


Function 0Eh    Read Sector Buffer                         (XT, Portable, PS/2)
entry   AH      0Eh
        ES:BX   pointer to buffer
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status code (see 01h above)
        AL      number of sectors actually transferred
note 1) Transfers controller's sector buffer. No data is read from the drive.
     2) Used for diagnostics only on PS/2 systems.
     3) This fn is supported by the XT's hard disk adapter only. It is "not
        defined" for hard disk adapters on the AT or PS/2.


Function 0Fh    Write sector buffer                          (XT, Portable)
entry   AH      0Fh
        ES:BX   pointer to buffer
return  CF      set if error
                AH      status code (see 01h above)
        AL      number of sectors actually transferred
note 1) Should be called before formatting to initialize the controller's
        sector buffer.
     2) Used for diagnostics only on PS/2 systems.
     3) Transfers data from system RAM to the hard disk adapter's internal
        sector buffer.
     4) No data is written to the physical disk drive.
     5) This fn is for the XT hard disk controller only. It is "not defined"
        for AT or PS/2 controllers.


Function 10h    Test For Drive Ready                  (XT, AT, XT/286, PS/2)
entry   AH      10h
        DL      hard drive number 0 or 1 (80h-0FFh)
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status code (see 01h above)
note 1) Tests whether the specified hard disk drive is operational and returns
        the drive's status.
     2) This function is supported on hard disks only.
     3) Perstor and Novell controllers allow more than one controller. Does
        not work for multiple Perstor controllers. (reports first two drives
        only).
     4) Does not work with network drives.


Function 11h    Recalibrate Drive                      (XT, AT, XT/286, PS/2)
entry   AH      11h
        DL      hard drive number (80h-0FFh hard disk)
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status code (see 01h above)
note 1) Causes the HD controller to recalibrate itself for the specified drive,
        positioning the read/arm to cylinder 0, and returns the drive's status.
     2) This function is for hard disks only.


Function 12h    Controller RAM Diagnostics                (XT, Portable, PS/2)
entry   AH      12h
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status code (see fn 01h above)
note 1) Used for diagnostics only on PS/2 systems.
     2) Makes the hard disk controller carry out a built-in diagnostic test on
        its internal sector buffer.


Function 13h    Controller Drive Diagnostic               (XT, Portable, PS/2)
entry   AH      13h
return  CF      set on error
                AH      status code (see 01h above)
note 1) Used for diagnostics only on PS/2 systems.
     2) Causes HD controller to run internal diagnostic tests of the attached
        drive, indicating whether the test was passed by the returned status.
     3) This function is supported on XT HDs only.


Function 14h    Controller Internal Diagnostic               (AT, XT/286)
entry   AH      14h
return  CF      set on error
        AH      status code (see 01h above)
note 1) OEM is Western Digital 1003-WA2 hard/floppy combination controller
        in AT and XT/286.
     2) Used for diagnostics only in PS/2 systems.
     3) Causes HD controller to do a built-in diagnostic self-test, indicating
        whether the test was passed by the returned status.
     4) This function is supported on hard disks only.


Function 15h    Get Disk Type                                (except PC and XT)
entry   AH      15h
        DL      drive ID
                00h-7Fh   floppy disk
                80h-0FFh  fixed disk
return  CF      set on error
                AH      error code (see 01h above)
        AH      disk type
                00h     no drive is present
                01h     diskette, no change detection present
                02h     diskette, change detection present
                03h     hard disk
                        CX:DX   number of 512-byte sectors
note 1) Returns a code indicating the type of disk referenced by the specified
        drive code.
     2) This function is not supported on the PC or XT.


Function 16h    Get Disk Change Status (diskette)      (except PC, XT, & Jr)
entry   AH      16h
        DL      drive to check
return  CF      set on error
        AH      disk change status
                00h     no disk change
                01h     disk changed
        DL      drive that had disk change (00h-07Fh floppy disk)
note    Returns the status of the change line, indicating whether the disk in
        the drive may have been replaced since the last disk access. If this
        function returns with CF set, the disk has not necessarily been
        changed; the change line can be activated by simply unlocking and
        relocking the disk drive door without removing the floppy disk.


Function 17h    Set Disk Type for Format (diskette)          (except PC and XT)
entry   AH      17h
        AL      00h     not used
                01h     160, 180, 320, or 360Kb diskette in 360kb drive
                02h     360Kb diskette in 1.2Mb drive
                03h     1.2Mb diskette in 1.2Mb drive
                04h     720Kb diskette in 720Kb drive
        DL      drive number (0-7)
return  CF      set on error
        AH      status of operation (see 01h above)
note 1) This function is probably enhanced for the PS/2 series to detect
        1.44 in 1.44 and 720k in 1.44.
     2) This function is not supported for floppy disks on the PC or XT.
     3) If the change line is active for the specified drive, it is reset.
     4) The BIOS sets the data rate for the specified drive and media type.
        The rate is 250k/sec for double-density media and 500k/sec for high
        density media. The proper hardware is required.


Function 18h    Set Media Type For Format  (diskette)   (AT, XT2, XT/286, PS/2)
entry   AH      18h
        CH      lower 8 bits of number of tracks
        CL      high 2 bits of number of tracks (6,7) sectors per track
                (bits 0-5)
        DL      drive number (0-7)
return  CF      clear   no errors
        AH      00h      if requested combination supported
                01h      if function not available
                0Ch      if not suppported or drive type unknown
                80h      if there is no media in the drive
        ES:DI   pointer to 11-byte disk parameter table for media type
        CF      set     error code (see 01h above)
note 1) A floppy disk must be present in the drive.
     2) This function should be called prior to formatting a disk with Int 13h
        Fn 05h so the BIOS can set the correct data rate for the media.
     3) If the change line is active for the specified drive, it is reset.


Function 19h    Park Hard Disk Heads                         (PS/2)
entry   AH      19h
        DL      drive number (80h-0FFh)
return  CF      set on error
                AH      error code (see fn 01h)
note    This function is defined for PS/2 fixed disks only.


Function 1Ah    ESDI Hard Disk - Low Level Format                      (PS/2)
entry   AH      1Ah
        AL      Relative Block Address (RBA) defect table count
                00h     no errors on disk
                01h+    number of disk errors
        CL      format modifiers byte
           bits 0       ignore primary defect map
                1       ignore secondary defect map
                2       update secondary defect map
                3       perform extended surface analysis
                4       generate periodic interrupt after each cylinder format
                5       reserved - must be 0
                6       reserved - must be 0
                7       reserved - must be 0
        DL      drive  (80h-0FFh)
        ES:BX   pointer to RBA defect table
return  CF      set on error
                AH      error code (see fn 01h above)
note 1) Initializes disk sector and track address fields on a drive attached
        to the IBM "ESDI Fixed Disk Drive Adapter/A."
     2) If periodic interrupt selected, int 15h/fn 0Fh is called after each
        cylinder is formatted
     3) If bit 4 of CL is set, Int 15h, AH=0Fh, AL=phase code after each
        cylinder is formatted or analyzed. The phase code is defined as:
        0       reserved
        1       surface analysis
        2       formatting
     4) If bit 2 of CL is set, the drive's secondary defect map is updated to
        reflect errors found during surface analysis. If both bit 2 and bit 1
        are set, the secondary defect map is replaced.
     5) For an extended surface analysis, the disk should first be formatted by
        calling this function with bit 3 cleared and then analyzed by calling
        this function with bit 3 set.


Function 1Bh    ESDI Hard Disk - Get Manufacturing Header       (PS/2)
entry   AH      1Bh
        AL      number of record
        DL      drive
        ES:BX   pointer to buffer for manufacturing header (defect list)
return  CF      set on error
        AH      status
note    Manufacturing header format (Defect Map Record format) can be found
        in the "IBM 70Mb, 115Mb Fixed Disk Drives Technical Reference."


Function 1Ch    ESDI Hard Disk - Get Configuration                  (PS/2)
entry   AH      1Ch
        AL      0Ah     Get Device Configuration
                        DL      drive
                        ES:BX   pointer to buffer for device configuration
                                (drive physical parameter)
                0Bh     Get Adapter Configuration
                        ES:BX   pointer to buffer for adapter configuration
                0Ch     Get POS Information
                        ES:BX   pointer to POS information
                0Dh     unknown
                0Eh     Translate RBA to ABA
                        CH      low 8 bits of cylinder number
                        CL      sector number, high two bits of cylinder number
                                in bits 6 and 7
                        DH      head number
                        DL      drive number
                        ES:BX   pointer to ABA number

return  CF      set on error
                AH      status (see 01h)
note 1) Device configuration format can be found in IBM ESDI Fixed Disk Drive
        Adapter/A Technical Reference.
     2) ABA (absolute block address) format can be found in IBM ESDI Adapter
        Technical Reference by using its Device Configuration Status Block.


Function 1Dh    IBMCACHE.SYS                                (PS/2 50+)
entry   AH      1Dh
other parameters unknown
note    IBMCACHE.SYS comes on the setup disk for MCA-bus PS/2 machines.


Function 20h    Western Digital HD SuperBIOS
entry   AH      20h
other parameters unknown
note    SuperBIOS may be purchased separately from Western Digital and added
        to standard HD controllers. SuperBIOS contains additional setup
        tables and parameters.


       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams
                        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                        │ Shareware Version, 03/16/92 │
                        │  Please Register Your Copy  │
                        └─────────────────────────────┘


                            C H A P T E R   N I N E


                          INSTALLABLE DEVICE DRIVERS


                                C O N T E N T S

Device Driver Format .................................................... 9**
Types of Devices ........................................................ 9**
        Character Devices ............................................... 9**
        Block Devices ................................................... 9**
Device Header ........................................................... 9**
        Pointer to Next Device Header Field ............................. 9**
        Attribute Field ................................................. 9**
                Bits 0 and 1 ............................................ 9**
                Bit 2 ................................................... 9**
                Bit 3 ................................................... 9**
                Bit 13 .................................................. 9**
                Bit 14 .................................................. 9**
                Bit 15 .................................................. 9**
        Pointer to Strategy and Interrupt Routines ...................... 9**
        Name/Unit Field ................................................. 9**
Creating a Device Driver ................................................ 9**
Installing Device Drivers ............................................... 9**
        Installing Character Devices .................................... 9**
        Installing Block Devices ........................................ 9**
Request Header .......................................................... 9**
        Unit Code Field ................................................. 9**
        Command Code Field .............................................. 9**
        Status Field .................................................... 9**
Device Driver Functions ................................................. 9**
        INIT ............................................................ 9**
        MEDIA CHECK ..................................................... 9**
        Media Descriptor Byte ........................................... 9**
        BUILD BPB (BIOS Parameter Block) ................................ 9**
        INPUT OR OUTPUT ................................................. 9**
        NONDESTRUCTIVE INPUT NO WAIT .................................... 9**
        STATUS .......................................................... 9**
        FLUSH ........................................................... 9**
        OPEN or CLOSE (DOS 3.0+) ........................................ 9**
        REMOVEABLE MEDIA (DOS 3.0+) ..................................... 9**
The CLOCK$ Device ....................................................... 9**




DEVICE DRIVER FORMAT├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 A device driver is a handler for communication between the system software
and hardware devices. The motherboard ROM and IBMBIO.COM or IO.SYS files
contain the basic drivers for allowing DOS to talk to the console, disk drives,
serial and parallel ports, clock, and other resources.

 DOS has five builtin drivers, STDIN, STDOUT, STERR, STDPRN, or STDAUX. An
"installable" driver may be loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file, and either replace
one of the builtin drivers or define a new resource, such as a mouse or
expanded memory driver.

 The device driver is a COM (memory image) file that contains all of the code
needed to control an add-in device. An EXE file should not be used since the
EXE loader in some DOS 2.x versions is part of COMMAND.COM, which is not
present when the device driver is being loaded by IBMBIO.COM or IO.SYS. EXE
format drivers could be used in DOS 3.x+, but there is generally no reason to
do so. The COM file must not load at the usual ORG 100h. Since the driver does
not use the Program Segment Prefix, it is simply loaded without offset,
therefore the driver file must have an origin of 0. Most references advise
"ORG 0 or no ORG statement", however with the advent of many new assemblers on
the market, some of which default to .COM files, specifically stating "ORG 0"
may eliminate problems. Driver files should not have a declared stack segment.

 DOS can install the device driver anywhere in memory, so care must be taken
in any FAR memory references. You should not expect that your driver will be
loaded in the same place every time.




TYPES OF DEVICES├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 There are two types of devices: Character devices and Block devices. Their
attributes are as follows:

 Character devices are designed to do serial I/O in a byte-by-byte manner.
These devices have names like CON, AUX, or PRN, and you can open channels
(handles or FCBs) to do I/O much like a disk file. I/O may be in either cooked
or raw mode. (see Chapter 7 for discussion of cooked and raw modes). Because
character devices have only one name, they can only support one device.

 Block devices are normally implemented as disk drives. They can do random I/O
in pieces called blocks, which are usually the physical sector size of the disk.
These devices are not named as character devices are, and cannot be opened
directly. Instead they are accessed by using drive letters such as A, B, C,
etc. Block devices can have units within them. In this way, a single block
driver can be responsible for one or more disk drives. For example, the first
block device driver can be responsible for drives A, B, C, and D. This means it
has four units defined and therefore takes up four drive letters. The position
of the driver in the chain of all drives determines the way in which the drive
letters correspond, i.e, if a second block device driver defines three units,
then those units are E, F, and G.

 DOS 1.x allows 16 block devices. DOS 2.x allows 63, and DOS 3.x allows 26. It
is recommended that drivers limit themselves to 26 devices for compatibility
with DOS 3.x and 4.x. When DOS 2.x passes the Z: drivespec, the drivespecs get
a little wierd, such as ^, [, or #. DOS 3.x+ will return an error message.




CREATING A DEVICE DRIVER├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 To create a device driver that DOS can install, you must do the following:

1) Create a memory image (COM) file with a device header at the start of the
   file.
2) Originate the code (including the device header) at 0, instead of 100h.
3) Set the next device header field. Refer to "Pointer to Next Device Header
   Attribute Field" for more information.
4) Set the attribute field of the device header. Refer to "Attribute Field" for
   more information.
5) Set the entry points for the interrupt and strategy routines.
6) Fill in the name/unit field with the name of the character device or the
   unit number of the block device.

 DOS always processes installable character device drivers before handling the
default devices. So to install a new CON device, simply name the device CON.
Be sure to set the standard input device and standard output device bits in
the attribute field of a new CON device. The scan of the device list stops on
the first match so the installable device driver takes precedence. For
instance, installing ANSI.SYS replaces the builtin CON driver.

 DOS doesn't care about the position of installed character devices versus
block devices.




STRUCTURE OF A DEVICE DRIVER├──────────────────────────────────────────────────

 A device driver consists of three major parts:
        a device header
        a strategy routine
        an interrupt routine


DEVICE HEADER

 The driver has a special header to identify it as a device and to define the
strategy and interrupt entry points and its various attributes. This header is
located at the beginning of the file. It contains a pointer to the next driver
in the chain, the attributes of the device, offsets into the strategy and
interrupt routines, and the device ID.

 This is the format of the device header:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                         D E V I C E    H E A D E R                           │
├───────┬────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│Offset │ Length │                       Description                           │
├───────┼────────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  00h  │  word  │  Pointer to next device header field, offset value          │
├───────┼────────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  02h  │  word  │  Pointer to next device header field, segment value         │
├───────┼────────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  04h  │  word  │  Attribute                                                  │
├───────┼────────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  06h  │  word  │  Pointer to device strategy routine (offset only)           │
├───────┼────────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  08h  │  word  │  Pointer to device interrupt routine (offset only)          │
├───────┼────────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  0Ah  │8 bytes │  Name/Unit field                                            │
└───────┴────────┴─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


POINTER TO NEXT DEVICE HEADER FIELD

 The device header field is a pointer to the device header of the next device
driver. It is a doubleword field that is set by DOS at the time the device
driver is loaded. The first word is the offset and the second word is the
segment.

 If you are loading only one device driver, set the device header field to -1
before loading the device. If you are loading more than one device driver, set
the first word of the device driver header to the offset of the next device
driver's header. Set the device driver header field of the last device driver
to -1.


ATTRIBUTE FIELD

 The attribute field is a word field used to identify the type of device this
driver is responsible for. This field distinguishes between block and
character devices and determines is selected devices are given special
treatment. The attributes are:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                        A T T R I B U T E   F I E L D                         │
├──────────┬───────┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   word   │ attr. │                                                           │
├──────────┼───────┤                     description                           │
│   bits   │  set  │                                                           │
├──────────┼───────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│     0    │   0   │   not current standard input device                       │
│          │   1   │   current standard input device                           │
├──────────┼───────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│     1    │   0   │   not current standard output device                      │
│          │   1   │   current standard output device                          │
├──────────┼───────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│     2    │   0   │   not current NUL device                                  │
│          │   1   │   current NUL device                                      │
├──────────┼───────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│     3    │   0   │   not current CLOCK device                                │
│          │   1   │   current CLOCK device                                    │
├──────────┼───────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│     4    │   0   │   standard CON I/O routines should be used                │
│          │   1   │   fast screen I/O (int 29h) should be used                │
├──────────┼───────┴───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  5 - 10  │         "reserved for DOS" - unknown - should be set to 0         │
├──────────┼───────┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│    11    │   0   │   doesn't support removeable media  (default for DOS 2.x) │
│          │   1   │   supports removeable media         (DOS 3.0+ only)       │
├──────────┼───────┴───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│    12    │         "reserved for DOS" - unknown - should be set to 0         │
├──────────┼───────┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│    13    │   0   │   IBM format       (block devices)                        │
│          │   1   │   non-IBM format   (block devices)                        │
│          │   1   │   output till busy (character devices)                    │
├──────────┼───────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│    14    │   0   │   doesn't support IOCTL                                   │
│          │   1   │   supports IOCTL                                          │
├──────────┼───────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│    15    │   0   │   block device                                            │
│          │   1   │   character device                                        │
└──────────┴───────┴───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

note 1) If a bit in the attribute word is defined only for one type of device,
        a driver for the other type of device must set that bit to 0.
     2) For DOS 2.0 bits 4-12 must be off.


BIT 1   is the standard input and output bit. It is used for character devices
        only. Use this bit to tell DOS if your character device driver is the
        new standard input device or standard output device.

BIT 2   is the NUL attribute bit. It is used for character devices only. Use it
        to tell DOS if your character device driver is a NUL device. Although
        there is a NUL device attribute bit, you cannot reassign the NUL
        device or replace it with your own routine. This attribute exists for
        DOS so that DOS can tell if the NUL device is being used.

BIT 3   is the clock device bit. It is used for character devices only. Default
        is 0. You can use it to tell DOS if your character device driver is the
        new CLOCK device.

BIT 4   is the "fast video output" bit. The default is 0, which uses the BIOS
        for writing to the screen. When set, this bit uses int 29h for much
        faster screen updates.

BITS 5-10  reserved for DOS, unknown. Should be set to 0.

BIT 11  is the open/close removeable media bit. Use it to tell DOS if the
        device driver can handle removeable media. This bit is valid for DOS
        3.0+ only. This bit was reserved in DOS 2.x. Since DOS 2.x does not
        look at this bit, its use is backward compatible.

BIT 12  reserved for DOS, unknown. Should be set to 0.

BIT 13  is the non-IBM format bit. When used for block devices it affects the
        operation of the BUILD BPB (BIOS parameter block) device call. For
        character devices it indicates that the devices implements the OUTPUT
        UNTIL BUSY device call.

BIT 14  is the IOCTL bit. It is used for both character and block devices. Use
        it to tell DOS whether the device driver can handle control strings
        through the IOCTL function call 44h.
         If a device driver cannot process control strings, it should set bit
        14 to 0. This way DOS can return an error if an attempt is made through
        the IOCTL function call to send or receive control strings to the
        device. If a device can process control strings, it should set bit 14
        to 1. This way, DOS makes calls to the IOCTL input and output device
        function to send and receive IOCTL strings.
         The IOCTL functions allow data to be sent to and from the device
        without actually doing a normal read or write. In this way, the device
        driver can use the data for its own use, (for example, setting a baud
        rate or stop bits, changing form lengths, etc.) It is up to the device
        to interpret the information that is passed to it, but the information
        must not be treated as a normal I/O request.

BIT 15  is the device type bit. Use it to tell the system the that driver is a
        block or character device.


POINTER TO STRATEGY ROUTINE

 This field contains a pointer to "device strategy" function in the driver.
This function is called whenever a request is made to the driver, and must
store the location of the request header from DOS. This pointer is a word
value, and so must be in the same segment as the device header.


POINTER TO INTERRUPT ROUTINE

 This field contains a pointer to the function which activates driver routines
to perform the command in the current request header. This is called by DOS
after the call to the strategy function, and should reset to the request header
address stored by "strategy", to allow for the possibility of interrupts
between the two calls. This pointer is a word value, and so must be in the same
segment as the device header.


NAME/UNIT FIELD

 This is an 8-byte field that contains the name of a character device or the
number of units in a block device. For the character names, the name is
left-justified and the space is filled to 8 bytes. For block devices, the
number of units can be placed in the first byte. This is optional because DOS
fills in this location with the value returned by the driver's INIT code. The
other 7 bytes of the block device ID are reserved and should not be used.



INSTALLING DEVICE DRIVERS├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 DOS installs new device drivers dynamically at boot time by reading and
processing the DEVICE command in the CONFIG.SYS file. For example, if you have
written a device driver called RAMDISK, to install it put this command in the
CONFIG.SYS file:
                   DEVICE=[drive][path] RAMDISK [parameters]

 DOS makes a FAR call to the device driver at its strategy entry point first,
using the request header to pass information describing what DOS wants the
device driver to do.

 This strategy routine does not perform the request but rather queues the
request or saves a pointer to the request header. The second entry point is
the interrupt routine and is called by DOS immediately after the strategy
routine returns. The interrupt routine is called with no parameters. Its
function is to perform the operation based on the queued request and set up
any return infromation.

 DOS passes the pointer to the request header in ES:BX. This structure consists
of a fixed length header (Request Header) followed by data pertinent to the
operation to be performed.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the device driver to preserve the machine
      state. For example, save all registers on entry and restore them on exit.

 The stack used by DOS has enough room on it to save all the registers. If more
stack space is needed, it is the device driver's responsibility to allocate and
maintain another stack.

 All calls to execute device drivers are FAR calls. FAR returns should be
executed to return to DOS.



INSTALLING CHARACTER DEVICES

  One of the functions defined for each device is INIT. This routine is called
only once when the device is installed and never again. The INIT routine returns
the following:

A) A location to the first free byte of memory after the device driver, like a
   TSR that is stored in the terminating address field. This way, the
   initialization code can be used once and then thrown away to save space.
B) After setting the address field, a character device driver can set the status
   word and return.



INSTALLING BLOCK DEVICES

 Block devices are installed in the same way as character devices. The
difference is that block devices return additional information. Block devices
must also return:

A) The number of units in the block device. This number determines the logical
   names the devices will have. For example, if the current logical device
   letter is F at the time of the install call, and the block device driver INIT
   routine returns three logical units, the letters G, H, and I are assigned to
   the units. The mapping is determined by the position of the driver in the
   device list and the number of units in the device. The number of units
   returned by INIT overrides the value in the name/unit field of the device
   header.

B) A pointer to a BPB (BIOS Parameter Block) pointer array. This is a pointer
   to an array of "N" word pointers there "N" is the number of units defined.
   These word pointers point to BPBs. This way, if all of the units are the
   same, the entire array can point to the same BPB to save space.
    The BPB contains information pertinent to the devices such as the sector
   size, number of sectors per allocation unit, and so forth. The sector size of
   the BPB cannot be greater than the maximum allotted size set at DOS
   initialization time. This array must be protected below the free pointer set
    by the return.

C) The media descriptor byte. This byte is passed to devices so that they know
   what parameters DOS is currently using for a particular drive unit.

 Block devices can take several approaches. They can be "dumb" or "smart". A
dumb device would define a unit (and therefore a BPB) for each possible media
drive combination. Unit 0=drive 0;single side, unit 1=drive 0;double side, etc.
For this approach, the media descriptor bytes would mean nothing. A smart
device would allow multiple media per unit. In this case, the BPB table
returned at INIT must define space large enough to acommodate the largest
possible medias supported (sector size in BPB must be as large as maximum
sector size DOS is currently using). Smart drivers will use the media
descriptor byte to pass information about what media is currently in a unit.



REQUEST HEADER├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 The request header passes the information describing what DOS wants the
device driver to do.
 When a valid device driver command code or function is called by your
application program, DOS develops a data structure called the "Request Header"
in ES:BX and passes it to the strategy entry point. This structure consists of
a 13-byte defined header which may be followed by other data bytes depending on
the function requested.
 It is the device driver's responsibility to preserve the machine state, for
example, saving all registers including flags on entry and restoring them on
exit. There is enough room on the stack when strategy or interrupt is called
to do about 20 pushes. If more stack is needed, the driver should set aside
its own stack space.
 The fixed ("static") part of the request header is as follows:

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                        R E Q U E S T    H E A D E R                        │
├───────┬───────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│Offset │Length │                      F i e l d                             │
├───────┼───────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  00h  │  byte │ Length in bytes of the request header plus any data at end │
├───────┼───────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  01h  │  byte │ Unit code. Determines subunit to use in block devices      │
│       │       │ (minor device)  Has no meaning for character devices       │
├───────┼───────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  02h  │  byte │ Command code                                               │
├───────┼───────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  03h  │  word │ Status                                                     │
├───────┼───────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  05h  │8 bytes│ Reserved for DOS                                           │
├───────┼───────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  0Ch  │varies │ Data appropriate for the operation                         │
└───────┴───────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

REQUEST HEADER LENGTH FIELD

 The length in bytes of the total request header (0-255) plus any data at the
end of the header.


UNIT CODE FIELD

 The unit code field identifies which unit in a block device driver the request
is for. For example, if a block device driver has three units defined, then the
possible values of the unit code field would be 0, 1, and 2. This field is not
valid for character devices.


COMMAND CODE FIELD

 The command code invokes a specific device driver function. Functions 0
through 12 are supported in all device drivers. Functions 13-15 are available
only in DOS 3.0 or higher. Some functions are relevant for either character or
block devices but not both; nonetheless all functions must have an executable
routine present even if it does nothing but set the done flag in the return
status word in the request header.

 The command code field in the request header can have the following values:
┌──────┬──────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ code │       name       │                     function                       │
├──────┼──────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   0  │ INIT             │ initialize driver for later use (used once only)   │
│   1  │ MEDIA CHECK      │ block devices only, NOP for character devices      │
│   2  │ BUILD BPB        │ block devices only, NOP for character devices      │
│   3  │ IOCTL input      │ called only if device has IOCTL bit set            │
│   4  │ INPUT            │ read data                                          │
│   5  │ NONDESTRUCTIVE INPUT NO WAIT  character devices only                  │
│   6  │ INPUT STATUS     │ character devices only                             │
│   7  │ INPUT FLUSH      │ character devices only                             │
│   8  │ OUTPUT           │ write data                                         │
│   9  │ OUTPUT           │ write data with verify                             │
│  10  │ OUTPUT STATUS    │ character devices only                             │
│  11  │ OUTPUT FLUSH     │ character devices only                             │
│  12  │ IOCTL OUTPUT     │ called only if device has IOCTL bit is set         │
│  13  │ DEVICE OPEN      │ called only if OPEN/CLOSE/RM bit is set            │
│  14  │ DEVICE CLOSE     │ called only if OPEN/CLOSE/RM bit is set            │
│  15  │ REMOVEABLE MEDIA │ only if OPEN/CLOSE/RM bit set & device is block    │
│  16  │ OUTPUT UNTIL BUSY│ only called if bit 13 is set & device is character │
└──────┴──────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

 The individual command codes are described later in this chapter.



STATUS FIELD

 The status word field is zero on entry and is set by the driver interrupt
routine on return.

The status field in the request header contains:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│            D E V I C E    D R I V E R    S T A T U S    F I E L D           │
├───────┬───┬─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ size  │bit│                        definition                               │
├───────┼───┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ byte  │ 0 │                                                                 │
│       │ 1 │                                                                 │
│       │ 2 │                                                                 │
│       │ 3 │  Error message return code                                      │
│       │ 4 │  (with bit 15=1)                                                │
│       │ 5 │                                                                 │
│       │ 6 │                                                                 │
│       │ 7 │                                                                 │
├───────┼───┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ byte  │ 8 │  DONE                                                           │
│       ├───┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│       │ 9 │  BUSY                                                           │
│       ├───┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│       │ A │  Reserved by DOS, unknown                                       │
│       │ B │                                                                 │
│       │ C │                                                                 │
│       │ D │                                                                 │
│       │ E │                                                                 │
│       ├───┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│       │ F │  Error                                                          │
└───────┴───┴─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


 The low 8 bits of the status word define an error message if bit 15 is set.
These errors are:

        00h  write protect violation   01h  unknown unit
        02h  device not ready          03h  unknown command
        04h  CRC error                 05h  bad drive request structure length
        06h  seek error                07h  unknown media
        08h  sector not found          09h  printer out of paper
        0Ah  write fault               0Bh  read fault
        0Ch  general failure           0Dh  reserved
        0Eh  reserved                  0Fh  invalid disk change

BIT 8   is the done bit. If it is set, it means the operation is complete. The
        driver sets the bit to 1 when it exits.

BIT 9   is the busy bit. It is only set by status calls and the removable media
        call.

BITS 10-14 are reserved.

BIT 15  is the error bit. If this bit is set, the low 8 bits of the status word
        (7-0) indicate the error code.


RESERVED FOR DOS
 Official sources label this area as "reserved for DOS". Another source
indicates that this consists of two double-word (4-byte) pointers to be used
to maintain a linked list of request headers for this device and a list of all
current device requests being processed by DOS. This was apparently to be used
for the undelivered multitasking version of DOS.



DEVICE DRIVER FUNCTIONS├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 All strategy routines are called with ES:BX pointing to the request header.
The interrupt routines get the pointers to the request header from the queue
the strategy routines stores them in. The command code in the request header
tells the driver which function to perform.

NOTE: All DWORD pointers are stored offset first, then segment.

                         ############################

INIT
Command code = 0        (all devices)
        Performs all initialization required at DOS boot time to install the
        driver and set local driver variables. This function is called only
        once, when the driver is loaded.

        ES:BX   pointer to 26-byte request header and data structure
 Format of structure:
       offset     length          field
         00h    13 bytes   request header
         0Dh       byte    number of units (not set by character devices)
         11h       dword   ending address of the driver's resident code
         15h       dword   pointer to BPB array (not set by character devices)
                           /pointer to remainder of arguments
         19h       byte    drive number (DOS 3.0+ only)


 When INIT is called, the driver must do the following:

        A) set the number of units (block devices only)
        B) set up the pointer to the BPB array (block devices only)
        C) perform any initialization code (to modems, printers, etc)
        D) set the ending address of the resident program code
        E) set the status word in the request header

 To obtain information obtained from CONFIG.SYS to a device driver at INIT
time, the BPB pointer field points to a buffer containing the information
passed from CONFIG.SYS following the =. The buffer that DOS passes to the
driver at INIT after the file specification contains an ASCII string for the
file OPEN. The ASCII string (ending in 0h) is terminated by a carriage return
(0Dh) and linefeed (0Ah). If there is no parameter information after the file
specification, the file specification is immediately followed by a linefeed
(0Ah).

 NOTE: This information is read-only and only system calls 01h-0Ch and 30h can
       be issued by the INIT code of the driver.

 The last byte parameter contains the drive letter for the first unit of a
block driver. For example, 0=A, 1=B etc.

 If an INIT routine determines that it cannot set up the device and wants to
abort without using any memory, follow this procedure:

        A) set the number of units to 0
        B) set the ending offset address at 0
        C) set the ending offsret segment address to the code segment (CS)

NOTE: If there are multiple device drivers in a single memory image file, the
      ending address returned by the last INIT called is the one DOS uses. It is
      recommended that all device drivers in a single memory image file return
      the same ending address.

                         ############################

MEDIA CHECK
command code = 1        (block devices only)
        Checks to see if disk had been changed since last access.

        ES:BX   pointer to 19-byte request header and data structure
 Format of structure:
        offset  length          field
        00h     13 bytes   request header
        0Dh        byte    media descriptor from BPB
        0Eh        byte    returned
        0Fh       dword    returns a pointer to the previous volume ID (if bit
                           11=1 and disk change is returned) (DOS 3.0+)

 When the command code field is 1, DOS calls MEDIA CHECK for a drive unit and
passes its current media descriptor byte. See "Media Descriptor Byte" later in
this chapter for more information about the byte. MEDIA CHECK returns one of
the following:

        A) media not changed             C) not sure
        B) media changed                 D) error code

The driver must perform the following:
        A) set the status word in the request header
        B) set the return byte
                00h   don't know if media has been changed
                01h   media has not been changed
                -1    media has been changed

 DOS 3.0+: If the driver has set the removable media bit 11 of the device header
attribute word to 1 and the driver returns -1 (media changed), the driver must
set the DWORD pointer to the previous volume identification field. If DOS
determines that the media changed is an error, DOS generates an error 0Fh
(invalid disk change) on behalf of the device. If the driver does not implement
volume identification support, but has bit 11 set to 1, the driver should set a
pointer to the string "NO NAME",0.


MEDIA DESCRIPTOR
 Currently the media descriptor byte has been defined for a few media types.
This byte should be identical to the media byte if the device has the non-IBM
format bit off. These predetermined values are:

media descriptor byte =>    1  1  1  1  1  0  0  0
 (numeric order)            7  6  5  4  3  2  1  0

       BIT                MEANING

        0       0       not double sided
                1       double sided
        1       0       not 8 sector
                1       8 sector
        2       0       nonremoveable
                1       removeable
       3-7      must be set to 1

                         ############################

BUILD BPB (BIOS Parameter Block)
command code = 2        (block devices only)

        ES:BX   pointer to 22-byte request header and data structure
 Format of structure:
        offset   length          field
        00h     13 bytes   request header
        0Dh        byte    media descriptor from DOS
        0Eh       dword    transfer address (buffer address)
        12h       dword    pointer to BPB table

DOS calls BUILD BPB under the following two conditions:

A) If "media changed" is returned.
B) If "not sure" is returned. If so, there are no used buffers. Used buffers
   are buffers with changed data that have not yet been written to the disk.

The driver must do the following:

A) set the pointer to the BPB.
B) set the status word in the request header.

 The driver must determine the correct media type currently in the unit to
return the pointer to the BPB table. The way the buffer is used (pointer
passed by DOS) is determined by the non-IBM format bit in the attribute field
of the device header. If bit 13=0 (device is IBM compatible), the buffer
contains the first sector of the FAT (most importantly the FAT ID byte). The
driver must not alter this buffer in this case. If bit 13=1 the buffer is a
one sector scratch area which can be used for anything.

 For drivers that support volume identification and disk change, the call
should cause a new volume identification to be read off the disk. This call
indicates that the disk has been legally changed.

 If the device is IBM compatible, it must be true that the first sector of the
first FAT is located at the same sector for all possible media. This is
because the FAT sector is read before the media is actually determined.

 The information relating to the BPB for a particular media is kept in the boot
sector for the media. In particular, the format of the boot sector is:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ For DOS 2.x, 3 byte near jump (0E9h) For DOS 3.x+, 2 byte near jump (0EBh)   │
│ followed by a NOP (90h)                                                      │
├──────────┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 8 bytes  │  OEM name and version                                             │
├──────────┼─────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   BYTE   │     │  sectors per allocation unit (must be a power of 2)         │
├──────────┤     ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   WORD   │  B  │  reserved sectors (strarting at logical sector 0)           │
├──────────┤     ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   BYTE   │     │  number of FATs                                             │
├──────────┤     ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   WORD   │  P  │  max number of root directory entries                       │
├──────────┤     ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   WORD   │     │  number of sectors in logical image (total number of        │
│          │     │  sectors in media, including boot sector directories, etc.) │
├──────────┤  B  ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   BYTE   │     │  media descriptor                                           │
├──────────┤     ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   WORD   │     │  number of sectors occupied by a single FAT                 │
├──────────┼─────┴─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   WORD   │  sectors per track                                                │
├──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   WORD   │  number of heads                                                  │
├──────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   WORD   │  number of hidden sectors                                         │
└──────────┴───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

 The three words at the end return information about the media. The number of
heads is useful for supporting different multihead drives that have the same
storage capacity but a different number of surfaces. The number of hidden
sectors is useful for drive partitioning schemes.

                         ############################

INPUT / OUTPUT  (IOCTL)
command code = 3   IOCTL Read
               4   Read              (block or character devices)
               8   Write             (block or character devices)
               9   Write With Verify
              12   IOCTL Write
              16   Output Until Busy (character devices only)

        ES:BX   pointer to 24-byte request header and data structure

  Format of structure:
        offset    length          field
        00h     13 bytes     request header
        0Dh        byte      media descriptor byte from BPB
        0Eh       dword      transfer address (buffer address)
        12h        word      byte/sector count
        14h        word      starting sector number (block devices)
                             [no meaning on character devices]
        16h       dword      (DOS 3.0+) pointer to the volume ID if error code
                             0Fh is returned

The driver must perform the following:
        A) set the status word in the request header
        B) perform the requested function
        C) set the actual number of sectors or bytes tranferred

 No error checking is performed on an IOCTL I/O call. However, the driver must
set the return sector or byte count to the actual number of bytes transferred.

 Under certain circumstances a block device driver may be asked to do a write
operation of 64k bytes that seems to be a "wrap around" of the transfer address
in the BIOS I/O packet. This arises due to an optimization added to write code
in DOS. It will only happen in writes that are within a sector size of 64k on
files that are being extended past the current end of file. It is allowable for
the device driver to ignore the balance of the write that wraps around, if it
so chooses. For example, a write of 10000h bytes worth of sectors with a
transfer address of XXX:1 ignores the last two bytes. A user program can never
request an I/O of more than 0FFFFh bytes and cannot wrap around (even to 0) in
the transfer segment, so in that case the last two bytes can be ignored.

 A program that uses DOS function calls can never request an input or output
function of more than 0FFFFh bytes, therefore, a wrap around in the transfer
(buffer) segment can never occur. It is for this reason you can ignore bytes
that would have wrapped around in the tranfer segment.

 If the driver returns an error code of 0Fh (invalid disk change) it must put
a DWORD pointer to an ASCIIZ string which is the correct volume ID to ask the
user to reinsert the disk.

DOS 3.0+:
 The reference count of open files on the field (maintained by the OPEN and
CLOSE calls) allows the driver to determine when to return error 0Fh. If there
are no open files (reference count=0) and the disk has been changed, the I/O
is all right, and error 0Fh is not returned. If there are open files
(reference count > 0) and the disk has been changed, an error 0Fh condition
may exist.

                         ############################

NONDESTRUCTIVE INPUT NO WAIT
command code = 5        (character devices only)
        Reads a character from input stream but does not remove it from the
        buffer

        ES:BX   pointer to 14-byte request header and data structure
 Format of structure:
        offset    length          field
        00h     13 bytes   request header
        0Dh        byte    read from device

The driver must do the following:
        A) return a byte from the device
        B) set the status word in the request header.

 If the character device returns busy bit=0 (characters in the buffer), then
the next character that would be read is returned. This character is not removed
form the buffer (hence the term nondestructive input). This call allows DOS to
look ahead one character.

                         ############################

STATUS
command codes =  6   Input Status      (character devices only)
                10   Output Status     (character devices only)
        Check for characters waiting in input buffer

        ES:BX   pointer to 13-byte request header

This driver must perform the following:
        A) perform the requested function
        B) set the busy bit
        C) set the status word in the request header.

The busy bit is set as follows:

 For input on unbuffered character devices: if the busy bit (bit 9) is 1 on
return, a write request would wait for completion of a current request. If the
busy bit is 0, there is no current request. Therefore, a write request would
start immediately.

 For input on buffered character devices: if the busy bit is 1 on return, a
read request does to the physical device. If the busy bit is 0, there are
characters in the device buffer and a read returns quickly. It also indicates
that a user has typed something. DOS assumes all character devices have a type-
ahead input buffer. Devices that do not have this buffer should always return
busy=0 so that DOS does not hang waiting for information to be put in a buffer
that does not exist.

                         ############################

FLUSH INPUT BUFFERS
command code = 7        (character devices only)
        Forces all data in buffers to specified device.

        ES:BX   pointer to 13-byte request header

 This call tells the driver to flush (terminate) all pending requests that it
has knowledge of. Its primary use is to flush the input queue on character
devices.

 The driver must set the status word in the request header upon return.

                         ############################

FLUSH OUTPUT BUFFERS
command code 11         (character devices only)
        Forces all data in buffers to specified device.

        ES:BX   pointer to 13-byte request header


 This call tells the driver to flush all output buffers and discards any
pending requests. Its primary use is to flush the output queue on character
devices.

 The driver must set the status word in the request header upon return.

                         ############################

OPEN or CLOSE  (DOS 3.0+)
command code = 13   Open      (block or character devices)
               14   Close     (block or character devices)

        ES:BX   pointer to 13-byte static request header

 These calls are designed to give the device information about the current file
activity on the device if bit 11 of the attribute word is set. On block
devices, these calls can be used to manage local buffering. The device can keep
a reference count. Every OPEN causes the device to increment the reference
count. Every CLOSE causes the device to decrement the reference count. When the
reference count is 0, if means there are no open files in the device. Therefore,
the device should flush buffers inside the device it has written to because now
the user can change the media on a removeable media drive. If the media had been
changed, it is advisable to reset the reference count to 0 without flushing the
buffers. This can be thought of as "last close causes flush". These calls are
more useful on character devices. The OPEN call can be used to send a device
initialization string. On a printer, this could cause a string to be sent to set
the font, page size, etc. so that the printer would always be in a known state
in the I/O stream. Similarly, a CLOSE call can be used to send a post string
(like a form feed) at the end of an I/O stream. Using IOCTL to set these pre and
post strings provides a flexible mechanism of serial I/O device stream control.

 Since all processes have access to STDIN, STDOUT, STDERR, STDAUX, and STDPRN
(handles 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4) the CON, AUX, and PRN devices are always open.

                         ############################

REMOVABLE MEDIA  (DOS 3.0+)
command code = 15       (block devices only)
        This call identifies the media type as removable or nonremovable.

        ES:BX   pointer to 13-byte static request header

 To use this call, set bit 11 (removable media) of the attribute field to 1.
Block devices can only use this call through a subfunction of the IOCTL
function call (int 21h fn44h).
 This call is useful because it allows a utility to know whether it is dealing
with a nonremovable media drive or with a removable media drive. For example,
the FORMAT utility needs to know whether a drive is removable or nonremovable
because it prints different versions of some prompts.

note    No error checking is performed. It is assumed that this call always
        succeeds.


THE CLOCK$ DEVICE├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 To allow a clock board to be integrated into the system for TIME and DATE,
the CLOCK$ device is used. This device defines and performs functions like any
other character device (most functions will be reset done bit, reset error bit,
and return). When a read or write to this device occurs, 6 bytes are
transferred. The first 2 bytes are a word, which is the count of days since
01-01-80. The third byte is minutes, the fourth is hours, the fifth is
hundredths of a second, and the sixth is seconds.

 Reading the CLOCK$ device gets the date and time, writing to it sets the date
and time. CLOCK$ is normally called only when the system is initializing or if
the system time and date are set (DOS 3.3+). DOS carries the system time and
date internally after receiving it from the CLOCK$ driver.





       **  Programmer's Technical Reference for MSDOS and the IBM PC **
                USA copyright TXG 392-616  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
───────────────────────────────┤ DOSREF (tm) ├────────────────────────────────
                     ISBN 1-878830-02-3 (disk-based text)
                    Copyright (c) 1987, 1992 Dave Williams


                                 C R E D I T S

 The information presented here was gathered from megabytes of files found on
BBS systems, conversations on a dozen different BBS systems, correspondence,
and every reference book I could get my hands on. On occasion, a number of
prestigious references didn't agree with each other. Where this has happened, I
have used the latest references. There is too much information here for me to
verify every fact personally. I have used my own judgement as to the
reliability of the sources.

 I've been selling copies of the Reference since October 1987.  The original
basis for the Reference came from Peter Norton's "Programmer's Guide to the
IBM PC" and the original Janet Jack interrupt list circa sometime 1986, as
updated by Ross Greenberg, plus a copy of the IBM DOS 3.1 Technical Reference.
It's grown a bit, eh?  Anyway, I've prepared a list of the sources I've used
for the Reference to clear up any curiosity as to where the material came
from.



Tools used in preparing this book:


Microsoft SymDeb, the final gasp of venerable DEBUG.COM and a fine program.

Microsoft CodeView, huge and awkward though it may be.

V Communications Sourcer, the only effective disassembler I've found.



References used in preparing this book:


AST EEMS Technical Reference Manual v3.2
        documents 020022-001B and 000408-001B
        provided by AST Corporation, 1987

AT&T 6300 Plus Hardware Reference Manual
        p/n 999-300-194IS
        from AT&T Corp, 1985 (before the Death Star logo, yet...)

Calculus EZ-FAX Developer's Toolkit
        copy 1990, Calculus

Creative Labs Sound Blaster User Reference Manual
        copr. 1989

Data General Programmer's Reference for MS-DOS, Rev.3
        Data General Corporation             (covers through DOS 3.0)
        p/n 069-100157 rev 00 May 1986

Digital Research DR-DOS System and Programmer's Guide v3.32
        Digital Research Corporation 1988
        comment: This manual does not cover the extended disk partition access,
                 file password protection, or any of the other goodies
                 provided in DR-DOS. In fact, it not only doesn't cover the
                 extended features, it doesn't completely cover DOS calls
                 documented by IBM. It does have an extensive section on
                 customizing DR-DOS for use from ROM.

Digital Research DR-DOS User's Guide v3.32
        Digital Research Corporation 1988

Digital Research DR-DOS Reference Guide v3.32
        Digital Research Corporation 1988

Digital Research DR-DOS Users and Reference Guide v3.40
        Digital Research Corporation, January 1989

Digital Research DR Multiuser DOS Users and Reference Guide v5.0
        Digital Research Corporation, 1991

Digital Research DR-DOS Users and Reference Guide v5.0
        Digital Research Corporation, 1991

DPMI 0.9 Specification
        Intel Corp, 1990

DPMI 1.0 Specification
        Intel Corp, 1991

An Introduction to the DOS Protected Mode Interface
        Software Focus Group
        Intel Corp, March 1991   order # 240787-002

IBM DOS Operations Manual Version 2.00
        IBM Corp, 1983

IBM DOS Operations Manual Version 2.10
        IBM Corp, 1983

IBM DOS Operations Manual Version 3.1
        IBM Corp, November 1984

IBM DOS Operations Manual Version 3.3
        IBM Corp, April 1987

IBM DOS Technical Reference, Version 4.0
        IBM Corp, 1988

IBM DOS Command Reference, Version 4.0
        p/n 6280254
        IBM Corp, 1988

IBM PC 3270 Emulation Program Entry Level Version 1.10
User's Guide
        pn 84X0280
        IBM Corp, 1986

IBM PC 3270 Emulation Program Entry Level Version 1.10
HLLAPI Programmer's Guide
        pn 84X0301
        IBM Corp, 1986

IBM PC Local Area Network Program Version 1.20
        IBM Corp, April 1987

IBM Technical Reference
        Options and Adapters - Enhanced Graphics Adapter
        p/n 6280131  IBM Publications Aug 1984

IBM Technical Reference
        Personal Computer
        p/n 6322507 IBM Publications

IBM Technical Reference
        Personal Computer - PCjr
        p/n 1502293 IBM Publications

LANtastic Programmer's Information Package, 2/21/89

Logitech Mouse Programmer's Toolkit
        Logitech Corp. 1986

Lotus-Intel-Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification Version 3.20
        part number 300275-003
        provided by Intel Corp.  September, 1985

Lotus-Intel-Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification 4.0
        document 300275-005
        provided by Intel Corp.  October 1987

Lotus-Intel-Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification 4.0
EMS Toolkit for C Developers
        document 302243-001
        provided by Intel Corp, February 1990

Microsoft - various documents provided to MS 5.0 beta testers

Microsoft Extended Memory Specification v2.00
        provided by Microsoft Corporation,  1988

Microsoft Mouse Technical Reference
        Microsoft Press, 1989

Microsoft Virtual DMA Specification 1.0
        Microsoft Part # 098-10869  May 1, 1990

Mouse Systems Programmer's Toolkit
        p/n 302449-001 Rev A, 1989
        p/n 302375-100, 1989
        p/n 302446-100, 1989

MS-DOS Programmer's Reference                (covers through DOS 2.00)
        by Microsoft
        p/n 135555-001 Intel Corp. 1984

MS-DOS 5.0 Programmer's Reference            (covers DOS 5.0 only)
        by Microsoft
        Microsoft Press 1991, ISBN 1-55615-329-5

Phar Lap Virtual Control Program Interface (VCPI) Specification v1.0
        Phar Lap Software 1989

Phoenix System BIOS for PC/XT/AT and Compatibles
        Addison Wesley, 1987

Phoenix System BIOS for PC/XT/AT and Compatibles (Second edition)
        Addison Wesley, 1991

Tandy 1000 TX Technical Reference Manual
        Tandy Corp.
        p/n 25-1514  Tandy Corp 1987

The Software Link
        PC-MOS 4.1 Programmer's Reference (1990)

Toshiba 1000 Technical Reference Manual
        Toshiba Corp. of America 1987

Tseng Labs EVA Chipset Programming Guide
        Tseng Labs, 1986

X3.4-1977: American National Standard Code for Information Interchange
        by American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
        New York, NY  1977

Weitek ABACUS Software Designer's Guide, Doc 8967
        September 1989

Wendin-DOS Programmer's Reference
        Wendin, Inc, 1987

**********************

ATI EGA Wonder Operation Manual
        ATI Technologies, 1987

Everex EV-650 EGA Reference Guide, Version 1.00
        Everex Computer, 1986

FastCard IV User Manual
        Peripheral Marketing Inc.
        p/n 0527        Jan 1987

Hercules Graphics Card User's Manual
        Hercules Computer Technology
        1983

Hercules Graphics Card Plus Owner's Manual
        Hercules Computer Technology
        Model GB112  1987

JDR B-3101 FLoppy Disk Drive Card User's Guide
        470.03002 version 1.00    1988

LANtastic 2.46 Installation Guide
        Artisoft, 1988

LANtastic 3.01 Installation Guide
        Artisoft, 1990

LANtastic 4.0 beta Installation Guide
        Artisoft, 1991

LapLink Release 2 User's Manual
        Traveling Software, 1987

LapLink Release 3 User's Manual
        Traveling Software, 1989

Logitech EGA Reference Manual, EGA+Mouse Board

Mirage Super VGA TVGA-8900 User's Manual

MPC Operations Guide,  Manual #1023
        Columbia Data Products, Inc.
        CDP  1983

Microcomputer Products - 1987 Data Book
        NEC Electronics, Inc.
        p/n 500105      Aug 1987

NEC uPD70108/70116 Microprocessor User's Manual
        p/n 500350      October 1986
        provided by NEC Electronics, Inc.

Novell Advanced Netware System Manager's Reference

pcAnywhere User's Guide v2.00
        Dynamic Microprocessor Associates, Inc  1986

S-286 User Manual, version 2
        Link Computer, 1988

STB VGA Extra/EM
        EM-16 BIOS Features
        STB Corp.

TesSeRact v1.0 documentation

TCXL 5.1 documentation

Toshiba ND352/356 3.5" Diskette Drive Installation Notes
        document number 87019   March 1988
        Toshiba America Corporation

Tseng Labs
        EVA, EVA/480 BIOS Guide
        November 10, 1988

VESA Toolkit v2.0
        summer 1991

VideoTrax Installation Guide
        Alpha Micro, 1987

******************

Advanced MSDOS
        Ray Duncan
        Microsoft Press  1986

Assembly Language Programming for the IBM Personal Computer
        David J. Bradley
        Prentice-Hall   1984

Assembly Language Subroutines for MSDOS Computers
        Leo J. Scanlon
        TAB Books   1986

Atari ST Internals
        Gerits, English, & Bruckmann
        Abacus Software  1985

Compute!'s Guide to Assembly Language Programming on the IBM PC
        COMPUTE! Publications

Compute!'s Mapping the IBM PC and PCjr
        Russ Davis
        COMPUTE! Publications

DOS Power Tools
        Paul Somerson
        Bantam Books  1988

DOS: The Complete Reference
        Kris Jamsa
        Osborne/McGraw-Hill  1987

Exploring the IBM PCjr
        Peter Norton
        Microsoft Press  1984

Discovering the IBM PCjr
        Peter Norton
        Microsoft Press  1984

DOS 5: A Developer's Guide
        Al Williams
        M&T Books, 1991

IBM Video Subsystems
        Richard Wilton
        Microsoft Press  1988

Inside the IBM PC
        Peter Norton

Mapping the IBM PC
        Russ Davies/Compute! Magazine
        Compute! Books   1986

Memory Resident Utilities, Interrupts, and Disk Management With MS & PC DOS
        Michael Hyman
        MIS Press  1987

Microcomputer Interfacing
        Bruce A. Artwick
        Prentice Hall   1980

Microsoft Systems Journal - March 1987
        "Expanded Memory: Writing Programs that Break the 640k Barrier"
        Marion Hansen, Bill Krueger, Nick Stuecklen

MS-DOS Encyclopedia
        Ray Duncan
        Microsoft Press 1988  (first edition)

Network Programming in C
        Barry Nance  (barryn on BIX)
        Que, 1990

Operating Systems Design and Implementation
        Arthur S. Tanenbaum
        Prentice Hall 1987

Programmer's Guide to the IBM PC
        Peter Norton
        Microsoft Press  1985

Programmer's Problem Solver for the IBM PC, XT, & AT
        Robert Jourdain
        Prentice Hall  1986

Programming Windows
        Charles Petzold
        Microsoft Press, 1987

Programming Windows, Second Edition
        Charles Petzold
        Microsoft Press, 1990

Running MS-DOS
        Van Wolverton
        Microsoft Press

Supercharging MS-DOS
        Van Volverton
        Microsoft Press  1986

The 8080a Bugbook
        Tony-Larsen-Titus
        Howard W. Sams   1977

The 8086 Book
        Russell Rector and George Alexy
        Osborne/McGraw-Hill  1980

The IBM Personal Computer from the Inside Out
        Murray Sargent III and Richard L. Shoemaker
        Addison-Wesley  1984

The IBM ROM BIOS
        Ray Duncan
        Microsoft Press  1988

The Serious Assembler
        Charles A. Crayne and Dian Gerard
        Baen Books   1985

Tricks of the MS-DOS Masters
        Waite Group
        Howard W. Sams  1987

Turbo Pascal Express
        Robert Jourdain
        Brady Books, 1987

Writing DOS Device Drivers in C
        Adams/Tondo
        Prentice Hall, 1990

***********************

Microsoft Macro Assembler 4.0, 5.1 documentation

Microsoft C 4.0 documentation

Borland Turbo Pascal 3.02a and 5.0 documentation, Turbo C 2.0 documentation

Novell SFT System Administrator's Reference

***************************

 Western Digital, Rodime, Miniscribe, Microscience, Adaptec, Storage
Technologies, and Connor Peripherals were kind enough to send spec sheets on
most of their products which helped to expand and verify the hard drive
information in Appendix 6.

***************************

 A large amount of miscellaneous information came from various computer
magazines. Documenting what came from where would be an experience all its
own. A great deal of information came from articles by Michael Mefford and
Charles Petzold of PC Magazine, and Neil Rubenking, Jeff Duntemann, and
Ray Duncan, who get around a lot.

   Byte
        ( Byte's kinda weird. They have some really neat, well-researched
          stuff interspersed with mindless drivel.  Still, they print some
          stuff you absolutely, positively won't find anywhere else. )

   C'T (Computer Technik)
        ( If you read German, this one is sorta like PC Magazine was in its
          heyday. )

   Computer Language
        ( I never decided if I liked CL or not.  Maybe I'm not the sort of
          programmer they're writing for... )

   Computer Shopper
        ( Though primarily advertising, some information sneaks in from time
          to time. )

   Dr. Dobb's Journal
        ( I always thought the old title, "Doctor Dobbs' Journal of Computer
          Calisthenics and Orthodontia - Running Light Without Overbyte" was
          a killer name, but nobody asked me. )

   InfoWorld
        ( I never really figured out how a weekly magazine could so often be
          both late *and* wrong with their stories, but IW tries hard. Still,
          you often hear about rumblings you'd never find out about in the
          slicks. The National Enquirer of the computer world? )

   Micro Cornucopia
        ( R.I.P - it was great while it lasted. )

   Microsoft Systems Journal
        ( Hideously expensive and mostly oriented to Windows, the
          early issues had some really good stuff )

   Midnight Engineering
        ( This one's hard to classify.  It's hardcore computer with a dash
          of entrepreneurship, bizarre as the combination may sound.  I like
          it when I can find it. )

   PC Magazine
        ( Despite their new "management format" in mid '89, PC Mag still has
          some good techie stuff from time to time. I guess the bean counters
          thought managers were more important than programmers. )

   PC Resource
        ( There was rarely anything of interest in PC Resource, but every
          now and then I found something. Now defunct. )

   PC Tech Journal
        ( "Tell 'em what you're going to say, tell 'em what you're saying, tell
          'em what you just said." - and don't send us no steenking submissions
          unless they're in WordPerfect format! Despite their fascist policies,
          every now and then they printed something useful. The Little Rock
          Wild Bunch refered to it as "PC Tech Urinal," an apt monicker. Now
          defunct. )

   PC Techniques
        ( This is the magazine PC Tech Journal tried to advertise itself as.
          Pure programming, written by programmers for programmers, without
          too many "journalists" pissing in the text. Try it! )

   PC Week
        ( This one used to be a clone of InfoWorld, but since their takeover
          by PC Magazine they've become a sort of mutant cross between IW
          and PCMag. )

   Programmer's Journal
        ( This is a nice magazine, though expensive. - now defunct )

   Tech Specialist
        ( One of the few really good magazines for bit-twiddlers.  Haven't
          seen a GUI phone-dialer shootout yet! )

****************************

various computer bulletin board systems, including

Byte Information Exchange (BIX)
 (check out ibm.dos/old.secrets.2 and ibm.dos/secrets.3)

 Effusive thanks to the gang in the ibm.exchange - these guys are *sharp*.
 In alphabetic order:

 barryn, billn, bkep, daiken, dgh, dmick, dnanian, dondumitru,
 drifkind, geary, glass, gmussar, greenber, hfishman, j_vanderbilt,
 jndunlap, jlussmeyer, johnf, jsloman, jsprowl, jswitzer, jrichards,
 mike123, mheller, rbabcock, rbrukardt, rduncan, roedy, sjgrant,
 skluger, terjem, twagner, wardc, wcowley, and all the guys whose
 names forgot... <grin>

Compuserve's Microsoft beta forums

FIDOnet international network       (various technical echos)

GEnie IBM RT and Borland RT

NorthAmericaNet (NaNet) programming echos

Canada Remote Systems               (Toronto, Canada)

RIME PCRelay international network  (IBM, Technical, Programming echos)

TelePath (M&T Publishing)

...plus I hit the various Wildnet, and GT-Net echos from time to time!

*********************************

The following text files were of use. Bear in mind that some of them may be
seen under several different names. The author's name is given as it appears
in the documentation (if any).  As you can see, this stuff predated the
ARC-vs-ZIP wars...

10H-BUG  ASM     4680  29/01/87 bug in 2.x int 21h/fn10h             Ray Duncan

1PT4MB   INF     5120   3/10/87 1.44Mb drives         Clyde Washburn 70305,1211

2EH      ASM     2969   3/03/87 info on undoc'd int 2Eh           David Gwillim

386BUG   ARC     9216  15/10/87 bug in early 80386 chips           Compaq Corp.

8086     3      10572   5/12/88 dump of Fidonet?? 8086 conf??         <no name>

8259     ARC     2826  15/03/88 info on 8259 chip                     <no name>

APICALLS ARC    11481   8/01/88 OS/2 API function call list          Bill Earle

ASM-ADRS ARC     6144  20/12/87 low memory vectors         Malcolm McCorquodale

ATCMDS   ARC     3072  20/03/88 Hayes 1200 baud command set           <no name>

BACKDOOR UPL    26115  11/12/89 "back door" through PSP            John Switzer

BIOSDOC  ARC    34816   3/11/87 very good function list         David E. Powell

BIXDOS1  ARC   155648  14/12/87 BIX "MSDOS Secrets" #1                <no name>

BUG40DOS ARC     3200  18/08/88 bugs in DOS 4.0                          "Doug"

CAS      ARC    33792  27/10/88 Communicating Applications Standard 1.0A
                                                                DCA, Intel Corp

CCPM86   ARC    68238  14/10/89 list of Concurrent CP/M calls         <no name>

CDOS     ARC    35584  18/07/89 list of Concurrent DOS calls         Guy Scharf

CDOS2_   ARC   227200  18/07/89 list of Concurrent DOS calls      J. F. Jankura

CDOSCALL ARC    19968  18/07/89 list of Concurrent DOS calls      J. F. Jankura

CNBDOC   ZIP    32012   9/02/91 CBIS Net Bios Programmer's Ref.    Tom Thompson

CUFEXT   ARC    13228  13/03/90 common file extensions               J.W. Rider

DEBUGTUT ARC    15655  23/04/88 DEBUG tutorial                        <no name>
                                                        possibly David Whitman?

DIAGNOSE ARC    14336   1/01/86 memory errcodes  Jerry Schneider, Arnold Kischi

DISK144  ARC    23086  16/10/88 info on 1.44Mb diskettes              <no name>

DISKTYPE ARC     5073  14/04/88 IBM floppy formats                    <no name>

DOOM     ARC     9216  29/09/88 hard drive information                <no name>

DOS-SIZE ARC      787  27/03/88 size of DOS files 1.1-3.1             <no name>

DOS3TXT  ARX     9168  31/07/85 list of DOS/BIOS ints, data areas   Dan Rollins

DOS32    ARC    17408  31/05/88 command list for DOS 3.2              <no name>

DOS3BUGS ARC     5639  15/10/87 acknowledged bugs in DOS 3.0-3.2      IBM Corp.

DOS40    ARC    15625  22/07/88 IBM announcement of DOS 4.0           IBM Corp.

DOS401   ARC    18178  19/10/88 errors in DOS 4.0                     IBM Corp.

DOS40B   ARC    27008  26/08/88 Compuserve thread on DOS 4.0          <no name>

DOS40FAT ARC     1510  11/09/88 DOS 4.0 File Allocation Table       Mike Austin

DOS40FUN ZOO     3410  31/12/99 DOS 4.0 int 24, 25, etc               Pat Myrto

DOS40HLP ARC    53376  28/08/88 DOS 4.0 command set                   <no name>

DOS40TXT ARC    46169  16/10/88 DOS 4.0 problems & info               <no name>

DOS4TIPS ARC     1735  19/09/88 problems with DOS 4.0                 IBM Corp.

DOSBUG   TXT     1024  15/10/87 info on 2.0 volume label              <no name>

DOSGUIDE ARC    21344  21/02/88 DOS tutorial                Carrington B. Dixon

DOSINT   ARC     4201  15/03/88 list of DOS 2.0 function calls     John Chapman

DOSNOTES ARC     5052  15/03/88 info on DOS undoc fns.                <no name>

DOSREF   ARC     9216  21/01/87 partial list of PC BIOS calls         <no name>

DOSREF   ARC    62052  23/08/86 device driver info                    "Cracker"

DOSTIPS  ARC    28926  15/03/88 info on DOS                        John Chapman

DOSTIPS1 ARC   159657  25/11/85 various DOS info                   Dean R. Wood

DOSTIPS3 ARC    59264  25/01/88 various DOS tips (different)       Dean R. Wood

DOSUNDOC ARC     3840  03/05/86 one of the very first interrupt lists
                                                           Spyros Sakellariadis

DRIVPARM ARC    11264   7/01/88 info on DRIVPARM parameters      Joan Friendman

EGATEK   ARC     8704  15/03/88 IBM EGA registers                   Bill Frantz

EMS40BIX ARC     3802  21/09/87 BIX announcement of EMS 4.0                 BIX

ENVIRONM ARC     4255  18/09/88 info on DOS environment           Jan Fagerholm

ESC_CODE ARC     3072   3/10/88 Laserjet setup codes                     S. Noh

FILEIO   ARC     8192  24/07/88 TSRs and INDOS flag                   <no name>

FLOPPIES ARC     9216   2/11/87 info on floppy media                 Ted Jensen

FOSSIL   ARC     9031  15/07/87 list of FOSSIL functions       Vincent Periello

FXN4BH   ASM     4503   1/01/80 odd 4Bh behavior                     Ray Duncan

HAYESET2 ARC     6479   4/09/86 modem commands         Ruth Lubow, Fowler Brown

HD-DATA  ARC     4096  19/07/87 list of hard drives & specs           <no name>
                                I've seen many similar files. I believe the
                                original may have been a file or bulletin on
                                Sparta BBS

HDINFO   ARC    11264  19/11/87 updated version of above, evidently by someone
                                else                                  <no name>

HDNOISE  ARC     4159  11/11/87 hard disk information             Clancy Malloy

HDTIPS   ARC     9660  11/10/87 hard disk information              Barry Gordon

IBMTAB   ARC     7882  15/03/88 general IBM PC tech info            John S. Lou

IBMTECH  ARC   136064   4/11/88 error codes, other info               IBM Corp.

INT-MDOS ARC    20682  31/07/85 one of the original INT lists    Ross Greenberg

INTER189 LZH   156368  25/06/89 interrupt list                       Ralf Brown

INTERRUP ARC   157440  19/09/88 interrupt vector list                Ralf Brown

INTERRPT ARC    42632   4/04/88 interrupt vector list         Marshall Presnell
                                this is a very nice list and some programming
                                information. If I'd come across it way back
                                then it would have saved a ton of typing <sigh>

JARGON   ARC    49274  16/07/88 dictionary of computer terms          <no name>

LE_MCLCK.ASM     3489   3/27/86  undoc'd Leading Edge BIOS fns      Bob Plouffe

LIM-40   ARC    21504  15/10/87 info on LIM 4.0                Stephen Satchell

LISTINTS ARC     6144   3/12/87 small interrupt list                  <no name>

MCB      ARC     5120  24/07/88 info on DOS Memory Control Blocks David Gwillim

MNP-TEXT ARC     6144  30/09/88 MNP modem info                       Mike Focke

MOUSENG  ARC    10240  13/08/88 Norton Guide file for mouse programming, with
                                C examples                            <no name>

MSLOOKUP ARC    58368  25/12/87 interrupt and function listing     Frank Bonita

MS-OS2   ARC    25600  15/10/87 MS press release on OS/2        Microsoft Corp.

MSINT125 ARC    48128  12/01/88 interrupt vector listing             Ralf Brown

MDOSDOC  EXE    47104   4/21/91 MultiDos Plus 4.00 Prog. Ref.     Nanosoft Inc.

NETBIOS  ARC    17280  29/10/88 NetBIOS tutorial & summary         Tom Thompson

NOVELINT ARC     4531  18/10/88 NetBIOS calls                        Marc Guyot

OCOM_520 ARC    53632  19/08/88 FOSSIL tutorial and functions        Rick Moore

ODDITY   ARC     3072  24/07/88 int 2Eh description               Daniel Briggs

PINS     ARC     3072  18/01/88 pinouts of various connectors         <no name>

QUES40   ARC     9081   1/09/88 info on DOS 4.0                       IBM Corp.

RAW_COOK ARC     2048  15/10/87 info on DOS raw and cooked modes      <no name>

RESETSWT TXT     3584  23/01/86 add a reset switch to a PC          Don Jenkins

RLLHINTS ARC    12288  17/10/87 RLL controller info                 Steve Sneed

RLLMISC  ARC     5120  17/10/87 info on RLL controllers        Richard Driggers

RLLSTORY ARC     9718  31/07/88 good info on RLL coding           Pete Holzmann

SEAGATE  ARC     2048   3/03/88 specs for many Seagate drives        Jim McKown

SECRETS2 ARC   179625  17/04/88 BIX "MS-DOS Secrets" #2               <no name>

SERCBL2  ARC     4372  16/10/88 serial cable pinouts                   Lee Zeis

SM2400   ARC     2296   9/08/86 Hayes 2400 baud command set           <no name>

SPOOL   DOC     29704  03/28/89 Versa-Spool API                     Jeff Newbro

SSTEP    ARC     2300  11/07/89 explanation of CPU single-step      Ed Burnette

ST225    ARC    11264   7/10/87 optimizing ST225 and WD cont.         Neil Erbe

TANDON   ARC     3612  21/02/88 info on Tandon drives             David Welcher

TECH     ARC    27827   8/05/88 misc tech info - Fidonet?             <no name>

TOOLS    C      14032   8/10/89 Grid laptop special functions  Fredrick Coffman

TOS               938  24/03/88 TOS function calls                Mike Crawford

TRYST    ARC    29312  29/10/88 DOS and hard disk info               Amy Goebel

UNDOCINT 21H     7168  14/04/87 undocumented DOS calls           Peter Holzmann

VESA     TXT    41269  01/17/90 VESA standard                              VESA

VGAKIT   DOC     7634  05/04/90 VGA programming kit                John Bridges

VGAPIN   ARC     1252  24/10/88 VGA pinout                               "Mike"

WD-27X   ARC     6144  10/10/87 WD 27X HD controller setup        Steve Shelton

WDCONFIG ARC     5504  11/10/87 WD-1002 WXS setup              Richard Driggers

WDCONT   ARC    11264  25/12/87 info on WD hard disk controllers    Peter Fales

XEB1210  ARC     7947  18/07/87 Xebec HD controller setup      Richard Driggers

XEBEC    ARC     1036  30/04/88 setup for Xebec HD controller  Richard Driggers

XEBECTEC ARC     1834  30/04/88 setup for Xebec 1210                  <no name>

XGADEMO  LZH    23552  01/27/91 IBM XGA programming info v.50        Bert Tyler

XMS      ARC    75776   1/08/88 Microsoft Extended Memory Specification 1.0
                                                          Microsoft Corporation

XTCHARTS ARC    12416   4/11/88 ports, charts                         <no name>

                      **********************************

NBRCV.C      Paul McGinnis      NetBIOS API calls

DESQ10.ASM   James H. LeMay     DesqView API calls

NETTUT.DOC   Charles L. Hedrick TCP/IP network

CED10D       Chris Dunford      CED interrupt calls

LANTSTIC.DOC LANtastic adware   peer-to-peer LAN calls

GLOSSARY.ARC no author name     computer terms

4DOS.DOC     Tom Rawson         4DOS int 2Eh, 2Fh calls, SHELL= bug


DOSREF isn't a tutorial, and sometimes you need a tutorial.  Microsoft has
finally written a half-decent one - The MS-DOS Programmer's Reference,
Microsoft Press, 1991, ISBN 1-55615-329-5.  This is the DOS 5.0 Tech Ref.
It covers data structures and DOS programming concepts clearly.  However,
it has no information on other DOS versions, nor does it (of course) cover
undocumented calls.

                     ------------------------------------

 Nothing gets written in a vacuum, and I'd like to express my thanks to all
the people who have been good enough to furnish information and support:
   (in alphabetical order)

Tommy Apple, Mike Crawford, Herman Diagostino, Joe Felix, Ron Melson,
Denis Murphy, & Ben Sansing,
        who all loaned me documentation and reference material for so long
        that some of them have forgotten to ask for their stuff back


 And those people who were kind enough to help out:

Mike Blaszczak, MA:                                        (blaszczak on BIX)
        who went rampaging through work and client's sites to find and
        document various model ID bytes, plus plenty of information on MS OBJ
        file formats

Carl Bretteville, Drammen Norway:
        who sent me a complete Concurrent DOS Programmer's Reference,
        considerably enriching the Norwegian postal service thereby

Herman Diagostino, Manassas VA:
        who worked up the TECHMENU menu file and provided a copy of the
        rare IBM DOS 4.0 Technical Reference and a copy of the original MSDOS
        Encyclopedia from Microsoft, info on the Pelican 5.5mb floppy drive,
        IBM DOS 4.0 command reference, many hard drive specs, OS/2 DOS Box
        differences

James Drenter, Davenport IA:
        additional info on int 1Ch

David Dorling, Buderim, Australia:
        found one embarrassing error in the device driver info and provided
        many expansions and clarifications

Chris Dunford, Columbia MD:                                (CIS 76703,2002)
        who sent me a copy of the PCED 2.0 API and let me use his INTPROTO.TXT

Steve Grant, Jersey City NJ:                               (sjgrant on BIX)
        who granted permission to include his excellent SYSID program with my
        distribution disks, furnished several model IDs

Roedy Green, Vancouver BC Canada:                          (roedy on BIX)
        many names and addresses for Appendix 5, serial and parallel port
        details and cabling, granted permission to include some of his very
        educational essays with my distribution disks, plus many details on
        DOS disk I/O

David Holm                                                 (dgh on BIX)
        Reported minor error in int 15h/4Fh and some TI Pro oddities

Michael Koepke, Wood Dale IL:
        pinouts on EGA feature connector, PS/2 keyboard connector, DR-DOS
        programming information, much info on Digital's DR-DOS, and the loan
        of some of his books

Curt Lankford, Little Rock, AR:
        loaned his copy of the AT&T 6300 Plus Hardware Technical Reference

Alan R. Levinstone, Garland TX:
        80286 LOADALL instruction
        BIOS Data Area floppy control parameters 40:8B, 40:8F, 40:90

Brian Long, Twyford UK:
        provided a copy of the then-nearly-unavailable DPMI 0.9 specification,
        plus port and address info

Keith Meade, Rochester MN:                                 (keithm on BIX)
        who provided a Microsoft Windows 2.11 SDK, copy of IBM TopView

Feico Nater, Hengelo, Netherlands:
        additions to FCB calls, several pages of expansions and clarifications

Bruce Nevins, Tucson AZ:                                   (bnevins on BIX)
        Irwin low-level tape drive info, DEC PC info

Patrick O'Riva, San Jose CA:
        info on what happens to the interleave when the BIOS is finished, and
        for his interesting online assembly-language magazine

Klaus Overhage, Stuttgart W.Germany:
        FANSI-CONSOLE system calls, and translating the TechRef into German

Tom Rawson, MD:                                            (trawson on BIX)
        DOS device driver loading information

John Richards, England:                                    (jrichards on BIX)
        European DOS 4.0 information

Ben Sansing, Little Rock AR:
        ANSI.SYS information, documentation for the NEC V20/30 chips, reported
        error in register chart in Chapter 4, loaned his copy of PC-MOS/386
        for testing

Hans Schleichert, Marburg West Germany:
        information on int 2Fh, fn OAEh (internal DOS commands). Good thing
        I took some German in high school... <grin>

Paul Slootman, Borne, Netherlands
        RealTek VGA board video modes

John Switzer, CA:                                          (jswitzer on BIX)
        who allowed me to include his discoveries on alternate DOS entries
        and file mysteries. (see BACKDOOR.ZIP on BIX, or Oct 1990 Dr. Dobbs')

Fred Thompson, Rapid City SD:
        loaned his Sound Blaster manual, provided much info on graphics
        programming

Matt Trask:                                                (matt.trask on BIX)
        who donated a complete copy of the TopView Programmer's Reference

Richard Vogh, Marietta GA:
        found several embarrassing errors in the boot sector chart in Chapter
        8. The shame! The shame! <sigh>

Jim Wenzel, North Little Rock AR:
        more PC model ID codes, loaned his copy of the Windows 3.0 SDK


...and these companies:

Alloy Computer Products, Marlborough MA:
        Joe Souza and Frank Gladu, who provided detailed information on the
        APIs for NTNX, ANSK, and 386 Multiware.

Artisoft, Tucson AZ:
        Eileen, Sherri, and the beta support people

Digital Research, Monterey CA:
        provided review copies of DR-DOS 5.0 and DRMDOS

H&R Block
        Michael Finney, who gave permission to reproduce the GIF89a standard

Microsoft Corporation, Redmond WA:
        for beta-test versions of DOS 5.0, Windows 3.1, other products,
        information on DOS 5 and the DOSSHELL API

NanoSoft, Natick MA:
        Jack van Schouwen, allowed the use of their API materials verbatim

The Software Link, Atlanta GA:
        provided a review copy of PC/MOS-386 and the programming guide

Qualitas, Bethesda MD:
        Bill, Andy, and all the gang

Quarterdeck, Santa Monica CA:
        Russ, Bob, Michael, and the guys in bet and tech support


 Special thanks to Chris Dunford, who donated his "CED" program to the public
domain. If it wasn't for CED, I would likely have abandoned MSDOS machines
entirely and bought a Macin...uh... something else; and to Haruyasu Yoshizaki
for allowing unrestricted use of his LHarc program used to compress the files
on these diskettes.


                                                        Dave Williams
                                                    --------------------
                                                      Jacksonville, AR


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                                         Dave Williams
                                         PO Box 181   (DOSREF 2.3)
                                         Jacksonville, AR 72076-0181
                                         USA
DOSREF SWv2.3