The Old New Thing
Practical development throughout the evolution of Windows.
Latest posts
Oct 1, 2026
Post comments count
0
Post likes count
1
Windows on Itanium also provided for hot-patching, in an even simpler way
Once again, the benefit of fixed-length instructions.
Sep 30, 2026
Post comments count
4
Post likes count
1
Windows on AArch64 also provides for hot-patching, but it’s much simpler than on x86
Fixed-length instructions makes it a much easier task.
Sep 29, 2026
Post comments count
4
Post likes count
1
As a general rule, calling product support while drunk is not recommended
Swearing is also poor form.
Sep 28, 2026
Post comments count
5
Post likes count
3
C++ reminder: Function-local static variables are initialized only once, even if it looks like they get initialized multiple times
Only on first execution.
Sep 25, 2026
Post comments count
19
Post likes count
5
Debugging walkthrough: Access violation on nonsense instruction, episode 3
Trying to figure out what the interloper was trying to.
Sep 24, 2026
Post comments count
4
Post likes count
5
No, really, you need to pass all unhandled messages to DefWindowProc, part 2
Another example to add to the list.
Sep 23, 2026
Post comments count
8
Post likes count
3
When working with Win32 FILETIME, don’t forget that you have std::chrono now
Let the library do the math for you.
Sep 22, 2026
Post comments count
25
Post likes count
3
A brief history of Windows scroll bar shortcuts
Right-clicking and shift-clicking.
Sep 21, 2026
Post comments count
9
Post likes count
4
What’s the highest legal FILETIME? Is it safe to use?
Being wary of how people use it and how it interacts with other types.