Nostalgic Insights from a Microsoft Veteran
Raymond Chen, a seasoned software engineer at Microsoft, has been sharing his reflections on the Windows operating system, particularly focusing on the iconic Windows 95. His anecdotes reveal a fascinating glimpse into the intense testing phase of the OS, which was so rigorous that it inadvertently caused cash registers to crash, resulting in over ,000 worth of software being affected.
In his ongoing “Old New Thing” series, Chen delves into the challenges faced by Windows 95, particularly regarding the careless behavior of some software installers. These installers often downgraded crucial system files, leading to significant issues. To provide context, many system files were redistributable, allowing installers to include and install them. Windows 95 cleverly addressed this problem by creating a hidden backup directory located at C:WindowsSYSBCKUP.
If any files were overwritten after an installation, Windows 95 would check the version numbers. If the replacement file had a higher version number than the one stored in the SYSBCKUP directory, it would be saved there for safekeeping. Conversely, if the new file had a lower version number, the original file from SYSBCKUP would be restored.
Microsoft veteran engineer, Raymond Chen
While it might have seemed straightforward to block installer permissions as a solution, Chen pointed out that this approach led to more complications. Some installers would fail, displaying frustrating error messages, while others resorted to underhanded tactics, such as rebooting the system and overwriting files via batch scripts.
Ultimately, Microsoft opted for a more nuanced solution, allowing installers to operate freely while implementing a system to quietly check for and rectify any damage caused. Over time, some components began to ship with their own installers, compelling developers to use these instead of directly copying files. This evolution in software management highlights just how far the industry has progressed.
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