M48 and XP memory error

[maverick]

For some reason, when I run Motec for the M48 on my XP machine, I get a low memory warning when I run EMP. It will load though. Many of the help pages when in MPI, post errors. This didn't happen earlier in the year and others in the xp world are stating similar findings with their DOS apps under xp. I'm assuming this changed with an OS patch, but not certain.

After spending hours with memory management mods, I tried DOSBox (from another M4/48 forum posting). Works!!!! Haven't tried usb interface yet but it appears DOSBox has some provisions for comm port connections so I'm optimistic. This might even work for my Win7 and Win8 laptops. Win7, I can use xp virtual mode (which gives same memory error, btw) but xp virtual mode is not available under Win8.

Just thought I'd share for any other M4 or M48 users that might have been impacted by the change in functionality under xp.

[AdamW]

I have noticed the memory error on my XP machine lately too and I just assumed it was something I had changed. It could well be a windows update that has caused the problem. Mine gives the error but everything still works ok.

Also, yes Dosbox works fine with USB comports, you just need to setup the config file to point to the correct comport. If for instance your USB comport shows up in device manager as COM5, setup your dosbox config like this "serial1=directserial realport:com5".
I use dosbox for some other old software this way. Post back if you need any help. If you search my posts you will find another where I have explained to someone else how to setup Dosbox to be more streamlined.

[AdamW]

For some reason, when I run Motec for the M48 on my XP machine, I get a low memory warning when I run EMP. It will load though. Many of the help pages when in MPI, post errors. This didn't happen earlier in the year and others in the xp world are stating similar findings with their DOS apps under xp. I'm assuming this changed with an OS patch, but not certain.

I looked a bit closer at this and you are right - it is a recent windows update that is causing this error. KB2724197 seems to be the culprit, it was installed by windows automatic updates around 12 Oct 2012, remove that update and Motec EMP works without error again (at least on my PC).
Screen shot of the error after I reinstalled this update for other users reference:

[MattW]

That is right.
The windows update KB2724197 prevents EMS manager from accessing any expanded DOS memory.
The update was to prevent a security issue.

The vulnerability could allow elevation of privilege if an attacker logs on to the system and runs a specially crafted application. An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit this vulnerability.

You can uninstall this update like any other program through add/remove programs -make sure to check the show updates option - to solve the low memory issue.

[YuriK]

There is a Hotfix for security update 2724197 or hotfix 2732488 on XP SP3 machines that should fix the memory issue without uninstalling the security update http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2785487
I haven't tested this hotfix, but if you don't wan't to uninstall the security update, you may give it a try.