16-Bit Programs Cannot Open More Than 120 Files Simultaneously in Windows Me (274594)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
This article was previously published under Q274594

SYMPTOMS

A 16-bit Windows-based program can open only 120 files simultaneously.

CAUSE

In earlier versions of Windows, 16-bit programs can open more than 120 files simultaneously by using the "FILES=number setting in the Config.sys file (where number can have a maximum value of 255).

These programs do not work properly in Windows Millennium Edition (Me) by using the "FILES=" setting in the Config.sys file. The "FILES=" setting in the Config.sys file is not processed in Windows Me. For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

269524 Overview of Real Mode Removal from Windows Millennium Edition

Also, the "PerVMFiles" entry in the System.ini file as described in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article does not apply because this setting is valid only for additional Virtual Machines (VMs), not for the system VM in which 16-bit Windows-based programs are run:

269030 How to Increase Available File Handles for MS-DOS-Based Programs in Windows Millennium Edition

RESOLUTION

A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem. This fix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Windows Me service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The typical support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later: 
   Date      Time     Version       Size    File name 
   ---------------------------------------------------
   12/10/00  10:14PM  04.90.00.3001 102,933 Dosmgr.vxd
The Spanish version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later: 
   Date      Time     Version       Size    File name 
   ---------------------------------------------------
   20/10/00  07:14AM  04.90.00.3001 102,941 Dosmgr.vxd

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

The new Dosmgr.vxd virtual device driver automatically allocates the maximum number of file handles (255). This mimics the behavior of using the "FILES=255" setting, but only affects 16-bit Windows-based programs.

For additional information about Windows Me hotfixes, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

295413 General Information About Windows Millennium Edition Hotfixes

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/6/2005
Keywords:kbHotfixServer kbQFE kbenv kbprb kbQFE KB274594
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