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DEBUG Windows Command Guide

The Windows debug command is a powerful tool used for troubleshooting and analyzing programs at the machine code level. It allows users to interact directly with the operating system and make low-level changes to programs. The debug command can be used to view and modify memory contents, disassemble machine code instructions, set breakpoints, and control program execution.

To start the debug command, simply open a command prompt and type “debug” followed by the name of the program you want to analyze. From there, you can use various commands and shortcuts to navigate through the program’s code, inspect registers and memory locations, and modify the program’s behavior.

Some common commands used in the debug command include “n” to execute the next instruction, “u” to disassemble code, and “g” to continue execution until a breakpoint is reached. Additionally, the debug command supports various parameters and options to customize its behavior, such as specifying a source file or setting breakpoints at specific memory addresses.

Overall, the Windows debug command is a valuable tool for advanced users and developers who need to troubleshoot complex programs or analyze system behavior at a low level. By understanding how to use the debug command effectively, users can gain valuable insights into program execution and identify and fix issues that may not be visible at higher levels of abstraction.

DEBUG Syntax:

Terminal window
debug [drive:][path\]filename [parameters]

Options:

OptionDescription
-bSets a breakpoint at the specified address.
-gBegins execution at the current address.
-tSingle steps through the program.
-uUnassembles the specified range of memory.

Parameters:

ParameterDescription
drive:path Specifies the location and name of the file to be debugged.

DEBUG Command Samples:

Run DEBUG

Terminal window
debug

Launches the DEBUG command-line tool for low-level debugging.

Load a Program for Debugging

Terminal window
debug program.com

Loads the specified program file “program.com” into the DEBUG environment for debugging.

Display Current Register Values

Terminal window
-r

Shows the current values of all registers in the DEBUG environment.

Assemble Machine Code

Terminal window
-a 100

Switches to assembly mode and sets the next instruction to be assembled at memory location 100.

Set a Breakpoint

Terminal window
-t

Sets a software breakpoint at the next instruction to be executed in the DEBUG environment.

Display Memory Contents

Terminal window
-ds:100

Displays the memory contents starting at the segment address 100 using word length as the default.

Execute the Next Instruction

Terminal window
g

Executes the next instruction in the program loaded into the DEBUG environment.

DEBUG FAQ:

How do I use debug in Windows?

To use the debug command in Windows, execute the following command:

Terminal window
debug

What is the purpose of the debug command in Windows?

The debug command in Windows is used to directly examine and manipulate disk sectors, RAM, and execute machine language instructions.

How can I display the debug command help information?

You can display the help information for the debug command in Windows by using the following command:

Terminal window
debug /?

How do I quit the debug command in Windows?

To quit the debug command in Windows, you can use the following command:

Terminal window
q

Can I write assembly code using the debug command in Windows?

Yes, you can write simple assembly code using the debug command in Windows by entering the appropriate instructions directly.

Is it possible to view and modify memory locations with the debug command in Windows?

Yes, you can view and modify memory locations using the debug command in Windows by specifying the memory address and values to be edited.

Applications of the DEBUG Command

  • Inspecting and modifying memory contents
  • Disassembling machine code
  • Executing machine code instructions
  • Patching programs
  • Testing and troubleshooting low-level code
  • Analyzing system boot sectors
  • Writing assembly code snippets