KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q79210: DOCERR: Extended Keyboard Detection Is Documented Incorrectly

Article: Q79210
Product(s): Microsoft Macro Assembler
Version(s): MS-DOS:6.0,6.0a,6.0b
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 06-MAY-2001

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Macro Assembler (MASM), versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0b 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

When using the Microsoft Macro Assembler (MASM) version 6.0, the online help
contains a documentation error when describing how to detect an extended
keyboard. The entry reads:

  0000:0496 1 word If bit 5 set, indicates extended keyboard installed.

In general, the "Microsoft Macro Assembler Programmer's Guide" for version 6.0
refers to the low order bit as bit 0. Therefore, the user is led to believe that
if the bit corresponding to decimal value 32 is set (bit 5), then there is an
extended keyboard installed.

RESOLUTION
==========

The bit that should be checked is the one corresponding to decimal 16, or bit 4.

MORE INFORMATION
================

To reach this help screen:

1. Enter QuickHelp by typing "QH" (without the quotation marks) at the MS-DOS
  prompt.

2. Choose "MASM 6.00 Language" from the Categories menu.

3. From the System Resources box, choose "BIOS Calls."

4. Select "16h - Keyboard Services."

5. Choose "Keyboard Data Memory" from the "See Also" list.

6. Scroll down to the end of this screen.

The error is contained in the last entry of the list.

Additional query words: 6.00 6.00a 6.00b

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbMASMsearch kbAudDeveloper kbMASM600 kbMASM600a kbMASM600b
Version           : MS-DOS:6.0,6.0a,6.0b

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986-2002.