HIMEM.SYS question

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Could anyone tell me why in Windows 9x/Me HIMEM.SYS is required to load the GUI but not on later versions? Is access to the higher memory still required for later operating systems? if so how? Thanks Gary

 

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This is because the Win9x set of OSes are built on MSDOS, which is a 'real-mode' OS. HIMEM is required so that the GUI loader has access to the memory above the 1MB point. Later during the boot the machine is put into '386 flat model mode, and the requirement for HIMEM goes away.

With NT and descendants (Win2k, XP, Vista) there is no MSDOS, the system kicks itself into '386 flat model mode almost immediately.

Harry.

 

Good answer Harry!

I was just reminiscing about Himem.sys, we used to be best pals, me and ol' Himem...

Not like his annoying cousin EMM386.exe

 

Thanks Harrygreat answer, yet again you are the man

 

I adored his cute (and helpful) stepsister, Memmaker.

 

Yes. Was it "Quest" who made that program? In the good old DOS-days this program was an absolute must.