Using_the_Microsoft_Layer_for_Unicode_with_OWLNext

Note: Unicows support was discontinued in OWLNext 6.32, so this article only applies to earlier versions.

Introduction

With the Microsoft Layer for Unicode (MSLU) unicode program can to run on Windows 95/98/ME. The MSLU consist in a module (UNICOWS.DLL) that implement the unicode routine not available on Windows 95/98/ME. The program must be linked with the unicows.dll and the call to the unicode routine are redirected automatically, under Windows 95/98/ME) to the corresponding routine.

Information from Microsoft are available at http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/handson/dev/mslu_announce.mspx

Using the unicows.dll with OWLNext

MSLU can be used only with the owlnext static library (note I'm using Borland C++ Builder 6 - BCB6)

• Compile the owlnext library with both the define UNICODE and USE_UNICOWS

  C:\App\Borland\CBuilder6\BIN\make -c WIN32=1 ILINK=1 UNICODE=1 USE_UNICOWS=1 BCROOT=C:\App\Borland\CBuilder6
  /DBI_STD_RTL /DBI_STD_STRING -DCOMPILE_ASM -DOWLSECTION -DNO_WIN32S_SUPPORT

this will create the library owldwfus.lib

• Download the MSLU form from the Microsoft site.
• Unpack the files.
• The download does not contain the *.lib file so create one.

• Create a library with the command line

  C:\CBuilder6\BIN\implib unicows.lib unicows.dll

• Include in your project the library unicows.lib

• Use in your project the define UNICODE and USE_UNICOWS
• Edit your project file and replace the owlxx.lib with the new compiled owl library (owldwfus.lib)
• The unicows.dll should be in the same directory of the executable.
• Run the program.

Debugging

Use the remote debugger to test the program on Windows 98

• Assume you are running the BCB6 on Windows NT/200/XP and need to debug the program on Windows95/98/ME.
• The BCB6 disk 2 contain a directory RDEBUG, run the setup.
• Install on the PC with Windows 98 the remote debugger server.
• Start the remote debugger server on the PC with Windows98
• Copy the unicows.dll your executable together with the *.tds file (debug information) on your Windows 98 PC.

(or use a shared network resource)

• Set in BCB menu Run | Parameters ¦ Page Remote the parameters
• Debug the program as usual.

[Ognyan Chernokozhev]

The Unicows support need to be tested with latest OWLNext, and the page be updated --[[User:Jogybl|Jogybl]] 14:09, 6 March 2010 (UTC)