FIX: A2006: Phase Error Using EQU in An IFNDEF Block (40452)

The information in this article applies to:

This article was previously published under Q40452

SYMPTOMS

When using an equate in an ifndef block, the following error is generated

A2006: phase error between passes

On pass 1 if the symbol is not defined, it gets defined. On pass 2 it is defined; therefore, you get a phase error.

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in MASM versions 5.0, 5.1, and 5.1a. The problem was corrected in MASM version 6.0.

When using the equate, specify a size (with WORD PTR, for example).

The following sample code demonstrates the problem. In order to work around the problem change

   MOV bx, SAVE

to the following

   MOV bx, WORD PTR SAVE

;Assemble options needed: none

ifndef SAVE
   SAVE EQU 1
endif

code SEGMENT
   assume cs:code

   MOV bx, SAVE

endcode:

code ENDS
    END

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	10/17/2003
Keywords:	kbfix KB40452