KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q81891: PRB: /Fb May Cause A1006 in Low Memory Situations

Article: Q81891
Product(s): Microsoft Macro Assembler
Version(s): 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 /Fb switch to create a bound executable with the Microsoft Macro
Assembler (MASM) version 6.0, 6.0a, or 6.0b, assembling a file with "ml /Fb
<filename>" may result in the following error:

  A1006: invalid command-line option : Unable to run LINK.EXE

CAUSE
=====

When running MASM in low memory situations under MS-DOS, the /Fb switch causes
this unexpected fatal error. This typically occurs when there is less than 490K
of available conventional memory.

RESOLUTION
==========

The /Fb switch does not work in low memory situations under MS-DOS; however, it
does work if you increase the amount of available memory under MS-DOS or if you
run under OS/2. To work around this problem in MS-DOS, do the following:

1. Assemble and link your program without the /Fb option. This will generate an
  .EXE file.

2. Run the BIND utility on the .EXE file using the syntax shown on page 5 of the
  "Microsoft Macro Assembler Reference."

Additional query words: 6.00 6.00a 6.00b

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbMASMsearch kbAudDeveloper kbMASM600 kbMASM600a kbMASM600b
Version           : :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.