Exe2bin

 

Converts executable (.exe) files to binary format.

Syntax

exe2bin [drive1:][path1]InputFile [[drive2:][path2]OutputFile]

Parameters

[ drive1 : ][ path1 ] InputFile : Specifies the location and name of the input file that you want to convert. InputFile is required.

[ drive2 : ][ path2 ] OutputFile : Specifies the location and name of the output file that you want to create.

/? : Displays help at the command prompt.

Remarks

• Windows XP does not use this command. It is accepted only for compatibility with MS-DOS files.

• This tool is not available on Windows XP 64-Bit Edition.

• Exe2bin is included as a courtesy to software developers. It is not useful for general users.

• The following restrictions apply when you use exe2bin:

  • The input file must be in valid .exe format produced by the linker and must not be packed.

  • The resident, or actual, code and data portions of the file combined must be less than 64KB.

  • There must be no stack segment.

• Exe2bin performs the following specific actions, depending on the values you use for InputFile and OutputFile parameters:

  • The default file extension for InputFile is .exe. Exe2bin converts the InputFile .exe to a file in .bin format (that is, a memory image of the program) and uses the location and file name you specify for [drive2:][path2]OutputFile to store the output file.

  • If you do not specify drive2 or path2, exe2bin writes the output file to the current drive and directory.

  • If you do not specify a file name for OutputFile, exe2bin uses the InputFile file name.

  • The default extension for the file name specified for OutputFile is .bin.

• The following conversion types are possible:

  • If you do not specify the CS:IP in the .exe file, exe2bin performs a pure binary conversion. If the program contains instructions requiring segment relocation, exe2bin prompts you for the fixup value. The fixup value is the absolute segment at which the program is to be loaded. You can use the resulting program only when you load it at the absolute memory address specified by your program. The command interpreter cannot load the program.

  • If you specify the CS:IP as 0000:100H, the file runs as a .com file with the instruction pointer set at 100H by the assembler statement ORG. Include the .com extension in OutputFile. No segment fixups are allowed, because .com files must be able to relocate segments. That is, .com files must assume the entry conditions explained in Microsoft Macro Assembler documentation. The command interpreter can then load and run the program in the same way that it loads and runs the .com programs included on your Windows XP disk.