PRB: Linker Produces 2-MB Executables Under Windows NT 3.5

• The Microsoft Linker (LINK.EXE) included with: - Microsoft Visual C++ 32-bit Edition, version 1.0 - Microsoft FORTRAN PowerStation 32, version 1.0

SYMPTOMS

LINK.EXE included with Visual C++ for Windows NT, version 1.0, or FORTRAN PowerStation for Windows NT, version 1.0 produces 2 MB executable files when used on Windows NT version 3.5.

CAUSE

The linker uses a memory-mapped file for the output file that is generated. The initial file size is 2 MB and it is increased in 2-MB increments as the output size grows. When the linker is finished, it truncates the file to its proper size. It does this by truncating the file then unmapping it from memory, whereas it makes more sense to do the reverse. (Windows NT version 3.1 produces the expected output anyway, but Windows NT version 3.5 does not. Under Windows NT version 3.5, the truncation is not successful and the output remains 2 MB for even the simplest "Hello, World" program.)

RESOLUTION

The next releases of these products will contain linkers that do not have this problem. Until then, the Win32SDK version 3.5 CD contains a version of LINK.EXE that corrects this problem in the \support\linker\32bit directory. Replace the Visual C++ version 1.0 linker with the linker included on the Win32 SDK version 3.5 CD.

STATUS

This problem was corrected with Windows NT, version 3.51, and FORTRAN PowerStation, version 4.0.

MORE INFORMATION

This linker is available on the Windows for NT version 3.5 CD in the \support\linker\32bit directory. It is not available on the floppy disk set.

Download LNK100.EXE, a self-extracting file, from the Microsoft Software Library (MSL) on the following services:

• Microsoft Download Service (MSDL)

        Dial (206) 936-6735 to connect to MSDL
        Download LNK100.EXE (size: 208433 bytes) 
  

• Internet (anonymous FTP)

        ftp ftp.microsoft.com
        Change to the SOFTLIB\MSLFILES directory
        get LNK100.EXE