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UNLOAD.TXT
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1991-11-12
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Unload v1.0a
Copyright ⌐ 1991, by Mike Sax
Compuserve: 75470,1403
Tel: +3237663264
Fax: +3237781405
Contents
--------
- About Unload
- When you might need Unload
- The "PLEASE INSERT THE DISK WITH TOOLHELP.DLL INTO DRIVE A:" message
- The list of libraries and tasks
- Methods to unload
- Obtaining source code
About Unload
------------
Unload is a small programmer's utility that lets you remove any Windows
program or dynamic link library from memory. It can be useful when you
are developing a Windows program or DLL that has a problem with getting
unloaded. Instead of having to exit Windows to remove the module from
memory, you can just use unload and recompile.
When you might need Unload
--------------------------
Basically, Unload is only useful when you have a library or program that
you can't remove with the "standard" user's methodes, like selecting "End
Task" option in the task list, or closing the app's Window. This could
occur if a library's usage count is higher than zero, but the app that
is using it was terminated, or you have an Application that doesn't
have any visible Windows.
The "PLEASE INSERT THE DISK WITH TOOLHELP.DLL INTO DRIVE A:" message
--------------------------------------------------------------------
To get a list of all libraries and modules, Unload uses the Microsoft
ToolHelp DLL, which is also distributed in the Dr. Watson diagnostics
program. If you don't have toohelp.dll on your system, you can obtain
Dr. Watson from Microsoft, or download it from Compuserve and most other
bulletin board systems.
The ToolHelp.Dll file should be either in the same directory as
unload.exe, or it should be in a directory that is in your current path.
If it isn't, you'll get the error message described above.
The list of libraries and tasks
-------------------------------
Unload displays a list of all libraries and tasks that are loaded or
running on your system. Since fonts and drivers are also DLL's they're
also in the list. If you have several instances of a module running,
Unload will display the module once for every task, so you can unload
them individually. Tasks are displayed in uppercase, DLL's are in
lowercase.
When you select a library or task, Unload will display a little
information about it, like the usage count, wether it's a library or
a task, the program's filename and the module handle.
Methods to unload
-----------------
There's only one method to unload a DLL: decrease the module's usage
count. If you want to unload a task, you can use any of three methods.
You can:
1) Post a WM_QUIT message to the application, which is like calling the
PostQuitMessage function inside the applicaton ;
2) Post a WM_CLOSE message to all the applications's main windows, even
if they are invisible ; or
3) Terminate the application. Terminating the application is the most
drastic and is as if an unrecoverable application error would occur.
Posting WM_CLOSE is the "softest" method to unload an application, and
it's also used by the task manager (although the task manager won't find
any invisible windows). Posting WM_QUIT is also quite "soft", because
it gives the application the oppertunity to do any clean up after its
main message loop. Terminating the application is the most drastic
measure and it will immediately terminate the application. You should
only use this when absolutely necessary.
Obtaining Source Code
---------------------
Because as of this writing Microsoft has not published any documentation
about the ToolHelp API, Unload's source code cannot be included. If
you'd like to have it, send me a message on Compuserve (75470,1403) and
I'll send it to you as sooon as the ToolHelp API is made public.