[comp.sys.ibm.pc] checksum of .EXE files

ray@micomvax.UUCP (Ray Dunn) (09/30/88)

Offset 12H of the header of an EXE file contains a 16bit checksum of the EXE
file, so that the 16bit sum of the 16bit words of the file including the
checksum word is FFFFH.

What standard (or other) software checks this sum?  What will fail if the
sum is wrong?

Executing the file doesn't, EXEPACK'ing the file doesn't.  In fact EXEPACK
sets the checksum to 2B15H, irrespective of its "correct" value.  Anyone
know why? 

It doesn't seem to use this as a flag to say that the file is packed, 'cos
it still knows that when you change the checksum to an arbitrary value.
EXEPACK also seems to embed the message "Packed file is corrupt" in the
packed EXE file.  What checks cause this to get displayed?

If the answer is RTFM, then please say which FM!  Thanks.
-- 
Ray Dunn.                      |   UUCP: ..!philabs!micomvax!ray
Philips Electronics Ltd.       |   TEL : (514) 744-8200   Ext: 2347
600 Dr Frederik Philips Blvd   |   FAX : (514) 744-6455
St Laurent. Quebec.  H4M 2S9   |   TLX : 05-824090