Q116183: BUG: Step-After-Return in CodeView "Hangs" in a Large Function

Article: Q116183
Product(s): Microsoft Programming Utilities
Version(s): 4.0,4.01,4.1
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kb16bitonly
Last Modified: 26-JUN-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft CodeView for MS-DOS, versions 4.0, 4.01, 4.1 
- Microsoft CodeView for Windows, versions 4.0, 4.01, 4.1 
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SYMPTOMS
========

Using the PR command (Stop After Return) on a large function, or on a function
with long iterative loop, causes CodeView to appear to hang.

CAUSE
=====

The PR command is inefficient when used on large functions because it is too
slow. In the case of the example below, there is no activity. Locals and watch
expressions do not get updated, and IP tracking is inactive. Furthermore,
CTRL+BREAK, CTRL+C, AND CTRL+ALT+SYSREQ do not terminate the PR command because
CodeView is receiving single step notifications fast enough that the system is
likely not getting a chance to process them.

RESOLUTION
==========

To work around this problem, refrain from using the PR command on large
functions, or those with long iterative loops. Instead, set a breakpoint at the
location you wish CodeView to stop, or move the cursor to that location and
press F7 to Run-To-Cursor.

STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed this to be problem with CodeView for MS-DOS, versions
4.0, 4.01, and 4.1, and CodeView for Windows, versions 4.0, 4.01, and 4.1. We
are researching this problem and will post more information in the Microsoft
Knowledge Base as soon as it becomes available.

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

The sample code below may be used to reproduce the problem. After starting
CodeView, enter these commands in the command window:

  g f
  p
  pr

At this point any attempts to break into CodeView are ignored.

Sample Code
-----------

  /* Compile options needed:  /Zi
  */ 
     #ifdef _WINDOWS
     #include <windows.h>
     #endif

     void f(void);

     void main(void)
     {
      f();
     }

     void f(void)
     {
      int t;
      int x;

      for (t=32767; t>0; --t)
      {
       x = t;
      }
     }

     #ifdef _WINDOWS
     int WINAPI WinMain (HANDLE hInstance, HANDLE hPrevInstance,
                         LPSTR lpszCmdParam, int nCmdShow)
     {
      main();
      return( TRUE );
     }
     #endif

Additional query words: 4.00 4.01 4.10

======================================================================
Keywords          : kb16bitonly 
Technology        : kbAudDeveloper kbCodeView kbZNotKeyword3 kbCodeView400DOS kbCodeView401DOS kbCodeView410DOS kbCodeView400 kbCodeView401 kbCodeView410
Version           : :4.0,4.01,4.1

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

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