Q25365: Incorrect Error Generated for Very Small COM Files

Article: Q25365
Product(s): See article
Version(s): 2.00 2.10 2.20 2.30
Operating System(s): MS-DOS
Keyword(s): ENDUSER | TAR65183 buglist2.00 | mspl13_basic
Last Modified: 21-AUG-1989

Problem:

If my COM file is less than 8 bytes long and I try to load it into
CodeView, I get the error message "Invalid executable file format -
please relink."

Response:

This problem occurs only on COM files less than 8 bytes in length.

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem with CodeView Version
2.00. We are researching this problem and will post new information as
it becomes available.