Am currently using Fasm in Dos to write some small programs. I have run into
a few things, that forces me to ask for help. on a few things, since it appears that I am a moronic novice trying to learn something new. And would appreciate any answers or assistance from those with more expertise than me.

1st problem. Without specifying format directive which outputs to a .exe file, at compile time all programs show under debug, dissassemble at address cs:100 as if there is a default or implied 'org 100' in the source file, which there is not. Yet, when using the 'format MZ' directive adds 32 more bytes to the compiled file size. Guess my question is why?

2nd problem. Without the format directive none of my programs' error messages ever display on invalid keypresses. Disassembly under debug shows that though text is included in the exe file, it is always the pointer to the data is always off by 256 bytes, while program works as it should on all valid key presses. Which makes no sense, whether 'mov dx, text' or 'mov dx,[text] is used or even the 'segment text'(<-- results in 'illegal instruction' error) is used. besides the 'format directive' why does it matter?

3rd problem. Have read the manual, and wondered if there is one for Fasm
with a little more information as to proper syntax use of Fasm's directives and idiosyncrocies of which I am yet unaware of?

Have tried a few suggested recommendations given to others, to no avail
so am looking forward to all or any replies

howdy


because exe files have headers, in addition to machine code, which is used by the os. search for some header descriptions, there are many, and different in most os-es.


because when you write "org 256" you are telling the compiler to organize offsets to +256 byte


well, maeby more info will be included soon.


so more problems?

Hey! Matrix!

Appreciate the quick response! Am I to presume then without the 'format' directive in the source file, that at compile time Fasm defaults to an 'implied' org directive? And is something I should be aware of?