MSDN documentation issue

Igor Korot 6

Hi, ALL,
On the page https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/libloaderapi/nf-libloaderapi-getmodulehandleexa, it is stated that the first parameter can be 0.

However there is no explanation in the behavior in the Remarks section if any.

Are we to presume that "0" has no meaning at all?
Moreover it is explicitly stated that when the GET_MODULE_HANDLE_EX_FLAG_UNCHANGED_REFCOUNT, one have to use FreeLibrary() call.

Having the value of 0 should be documented properly.

Thank you.

Viorel 111.7K Reputation points

2022-11-19T09:18:11.657+00:00

I think that 0 can be deduced from the documentation and it means that lpModuleName is the name of module, and other options are not selected. If GET_MODULE_HANDLE_EX_FLAG_FROM_ADDRESS is specified, then lpModuleName is an address in the module.
RLWA32 40,021 Reputation points

2022-11-19T10:26:14.353+00:00

I think that 0 can be deduced from the documentation and it means that lpModuleName is the name of module

I agree. And if 0 is used then the module reference count will be incremented.
Xiaopo Yang - MSFT 11,256 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2022-11-25T01:30:27.817+00:00

I can't agree more. And Do not pass the retrieved module handle to the FreeLibrary function with GET_MODULE_HANDLE_EX_FLAG_UNCHANGED_REFCOUNT. @Igor Korot
You can submit feedback through the feedback link.

2 answers

Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP

2022-11-18T22:17:53.437+00:00

You could provide the feedback here.

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--
Please sign in to rate this answer.
Igor Korot 6 Reputation points

2022-11-18T22:27:34.24+00:00

@Dave Patrick ,
I'm talking about the general purpose description of such parameter.
99% of the time MSDN is very good about documenting that stuff.

However in this particular case "0" is skipped and the user of this API have no idea of its meaning.

Thank you.

Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP

2022-11-18T22:34:35.787+00:00

Understood, I'd suggest providing the feedback.

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Igor Korot 6 Reputation points

2022-11-18T22:46:04.94+00:00

@Dave Patrick ,
JUst did. Can you see it? (if you are MS employee)

Thank you.

Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP

2022-11-18T22:49:48.733+00:00

Glad to hear, please don't forget to close up the thread by

Igor Korot 6 Reputation points

2022-11-18T22:59:18.533+00:00

@Dave Patrick ,
I upvoted the previous reply.

I am not sure if the :Accepting the answer" will accept the first reply from you or the last one.

Thank you.

Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP

2022-11-18T23:01:18.917+00:00

Sorry, no clue what that means.

Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP

2022-11-19T13:16:56.417+00:00

Just checking if there's any progress or updates?

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--
Sign in to comment
Obaid Farooqi MSFT 511 Reputation points Microsoft Employee

2022-11-19T02:53:41.267+00:00

Hi @Igor Korot
This tag is dedicated to supporting issues related to open specifications. You can find open specifications here https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/openspecs/
I am removing openspecs-windows tag and adding windows-api, which is more appropriate for your inquiry.

Regards,
Obaid Farooqi - MSFT
Please sign in to rate this answer.
Igor Korot 6 Reputation points

2022-11-19T03:00:10.147+00:00

@Obaid Farooqi MSFT ,
Thank yo for the fix.

Could you please see so that the documentation will be updated?
Sign in to comment