Int 21H Function 6CH
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Description: Extended Open File
Given an ASCIIZ pathname, opens, creates, or replaces a file in the
designated or default directory on the designated or default disk drive.
Returns a handle that can be used by the program for subsequent access
to the file.
Input Output
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AH=6CH If function successful
AL=00H Carry flag=clear
BX=open mode AX=handle
Bit(s) Significance CX=action taken
0-2 access type 1=file existed and was
000=read-only opened
001=write-only 2=file did not exist and
010=read/write was created
3 reserved (0) If function unsuccessful
Carry flag=set
Bit(s) Significance (if set) AX=error code
4-6 sharing mode
000=compatibility
001=deny read/write
(deny all)
010=deny write
011=deny read
100 = deny none
7 inheritance
0=child process inherits handle
1=child does not inherit handle
8-12 reserved (0)
13 critical error hand-
ling
0=execute Int 24H
1=return error to process
14 write-through
0=writes may be buffered and
deferred
1=physical write at request time
15 reserved (0)
CX=file attribute (bits may be
combined; ignored if open)
Bit(s) Significance (if set)
0 read-only
1 hidden
2 system
3 volume label
4 reserved (0)
5 archive
6-15 reserved (0)
DX=open flag
Bits Significance
0-3 action if file exists
0000 = fail
0001 = open file
0010 = replace file
4-7 action if file
doesn't exist
0000 = fail
0001 = create file
8-15 reserved (0)
DS:SI=segment:offset of ASCIIZ
pathname
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