The Old New Thing
Practical development throughout the evolution of Windows.
Latest posts
Jul 6, 2026
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20
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5
I opened a file with FILE_FLAG_DELETE_ON_CLOSE , but now I changed my mind
You can't change your mind, but you can do it a different way.
Jul 3, 2026
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3
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3
How did we conclude that CcNamespace.dll was the ringleader of a group of DLLs that unloaded prematurely?
Contextual clues.
Jul 2, 2026
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8
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3
The case of the thread executing from an unloaded third-party DLL
Oops, I didn't realize that I was still doing that.
Jul 1, 2026
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5
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1
It rather involved being on the other side of this airtight hatchway: Changing administrative settings
Unlocking the door from the inside.
Jun 30, 2026
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3
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1
2026 mid-year link clearance
Made it to another midpoint.
Jun 30, 2026
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5
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3
A compatibility note on the abuse of Windows window class extra bytes
Finding an illicit place to hide data.
Jun 29, 2026
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3
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3
The evolution of window and class extra bytes in Windows
The intended usage is encoded in the prefix.
Jun 26, 2026
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21
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6
The case of the DLL that was not present in memory despite not being formally unloaded, part 2
Tying two bugs together.
Jun 25, 2026
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3
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4
Raymond’s hot take on Hainanese chicken
Subtlety.
