INFO: Kernel Mode Drivers Are Read-Only in Windows 2000

ID: Q229035

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SUMMARY

In Windows 2000, kernel mode device drivers cannot write to read-only segments of memory.


MORE INFORMATION

In previous versions of Windows, kernel mode device drivers can modify their own segments of memory while loaded; however, Windows 2000 enforces read-only access to pages in memory that are not specifically marked as writable.

The Windows 2000 Memory Manager does not allow kernel mode device drivers to modify their own system code at run time, or to modify a string constant that has been previously initialized. To declare a global string that can be modified, the string should be declared as an array of L-value characters.

If a kernel-mode driver or application attempts to write to a read-only memory segment, the system issues bug check 0xBE and a blue screen is displayed with error information.


REFERENCES

See the Microsoft Windows 2000 Device Development Kit (DDK) for additional kernel mode driver information.

Additional query words: compatguidechange 


Keywords          : kbWinOS2000 kbGrpNTDDK 
Version           : winnt:
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        : kbinfo

Last Reviewed: June 23, 1999