modifying a dos exe file

[Dale S]

I have an exe file dated 1993. I don't know what it was written in, but it's a fairly simple evaluation program that takes user input and performs some simple calculations. The problem is that I need to modify some of the factors for the calculations. Is there a way for me to get into the file to modify?

[Chuck Mielke]

Just taking a WAG here - I doubt it.

I've examined a lot of EXE files, and they all appear to use machine language. EXE files are created from an English language keyboard, using a compiler. The compiler then puts the English language into what is called machine language. The only way you could modify the thing is to have a copy of the compiler, and a copy of the source code, which is the English language I referred to.

Just out of curiosity, what is the EXE file?

I am not a Tech, and I am not an Expert. I am only an experienced user. (12 years)


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If it doesn't work, kick it. If it breaks, well, what the hell, it didn't work anyway.

[Dale S]

It's a program to evaluate a route, using # miles, # stops, # pieces, etc. It asks for user input for the #s, then does calculations (ie # miles * mileage allowance).

After I posted, I did a search on google for a disassembler for dos, and came up with a download from simtel.net that does open and edit the file. I haven't gotten to the point of seeing whether my modifications actually work.

[Chuck Mielke]

Sounds great - I'd like to have one of those myself, just to play around with. Can you give me specifics on which site, and which program - to save time for me doing a search with maybe worse results than you got? Thanks.

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Free advice is worth every penny you paid for it.

[Dale S]

Go to www.simtel.net and search their site for edcom44.zip. That is the one I downloaded, but there are other utilities listed in the search results. If you find something that might be useful to me, let me know.