INFORM/386 memory management problems
Wed, 15 Mar 95 11:28:30 -0500
I recently put a new version of Inform/386 in /incoming/if-archive on
ftp.gmd.de. This was compiled and linked with a recent version of djgpp
which has a memory extender which is supposed to be DMPI and VCPI
compliant as well as fully compatible with Windows 3.1, QEMM366, himem.sys,
and some other memory managers.
I tested this version on a variety of memory managers in a variety of
configurations, with success. But I have now discovered that it will not
work in all circumstances. Under Netroom 2 running outside of Windows,
Inform/386 sometimes fails depending on the exact memory configuration.
In the shadowy, grey world of DOS memory extenders, there are simply too
many unknowns and too much software that "almost" follow their own
understanding of a standard. Look at the problems reported with Dave
Baggett's game "Legend." I've found instances on my PCs where it runs
under some conditions and fails under others, and it's hard to pin down
exactly.
The bottom line is this: I'll not be re-releasing a "fixed" version of
Inform/386, as I simply can't test on every conceivable configuration
(nor could I easily fix the problems short of rewriting the memory
extender, which also would be no guarantee). PC users should do the
following:
1. Try Inform/386 under your memory management setup. If it works, great.
2. Try it in a DOS session under Windows. There have been no reports
of this failing to date (although I can make "Legend" fail under Windows
if I run Inform first! somebody not cleaning up something).
3. Try Inform/386 with a "clean" boot- no memory manager at all. (This is
a lousy suggestion, of course).
4. Revert to Inform/PC-generic. Slower and missing a few non-critical
features, but very reliable as long as you have 580k of free lower memory.
Will run under Windows if you have enough memory clear.
5. If all else fails you'll have to use a Unix or OS/2 version! (Not a
serious suggestion...)
Please email me your experiences. At least I can then document what works
and what doesn't, and that might help someone else down the line.
Bob Newell
bnewell@delphi.com
gobblernet classic games bbs 701 222 0429