Map.exe Does Not Set Environment Variables Correctly (159330)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft File and Print Services for NetWare 3.51
This article was previously published under Q159330

SYMPTOMS

The MS-DOS-based programs included with FPNW, such as Map.exe and Login.exe, that are supposed to modify environment variables do not work as expected when run in a Virtual DOS Machine (VDM) under Windows, but do work as expected outside of Windows.

CAUSE

These programs, when shipped with FPNW, use an incorrect function call to modify the program's environment space, rather than the environment space of the VDM.

WORKAROUND

Use the Novell versions of these programs, as they work as expected. Or obtain the update mentioned in the Status section.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft File and Print Services for NetWare version 3.51. This problem was corrected in the latest Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 U.S. Service Pack. For information on obtaining the service pack, query on the following word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (without the spaces):

S E R V P A C K

MORE INFORMATION

In MS-DOS, every process has a block of memory associated with it in which environment variables are stored. When a new process is started, it inherits a copy of the environment belonging to its parent process. By default, when an application changes its own environment variables, those changes are not reflected in the parent process's environment space. Rather, an application must take explicit action to change the environment of its parent process.

When running an MS-DOS prompt within a Windows environment, there are up to four separate levels of environment spaces to be considered:
  1. The base environment of MS-DOS before Windows is started.
  2. The Windows environment, which will be inherited by any MS-DOS windows started by Windows.
  3. The environment of the VDM associated with the MS-DOS window.
  4. The environment of the application, such as Map.exe. This environment is destroyed when the application terminates.
The problem with the files shipped with FPNW is that they were altering environments 1 and 4 in the previous list. The fixed Map.exe described here and the Map.exe provided by Novell also alter environment 3. Neither program modifies environment 2.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/22/2000
Keywords:kbbug KB159330
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