AARD code

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The AARD code was a segment of obfuscated machine code in the installer for a beta release of Microsoft Windows 3.1. The code ran several functional tests on the underlying DOS that succeeded on MS-DOS, but resulted in a technical support message on competing operating systems. Microsoft disabled the AARD code for the final release of Windows 3.1, but accusations of malicious intent dogged the company until 2000, particularly from the owners of DR-DOS.

Digital Research, released a patch to enable the AARD tests to pass on its DR DOS operating system.^{[citation needed]}

The name "AARD" is derived from the name of Microsoft programmer Aaron Reynolds.^[1][2]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• http://members.ozemail.com.au/~geoffch@ozemail.com.au/editorial/aard/index.html
• http://www.ddj.com/windows/184409070?pgno=4
• http://alumni.media.mit.edu/~cwren/windoze95/190860.html
• Site with email excerpts from Microsoft and an example of tripping the AARD code (XMS error)