Stories with Tag Software Compatibility

• How a 20 year old bug in GTA San Andreas surfaced in Windows 11 24H2

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  Posted: 2025-04-23 14:00:11

  Verbose tl;dr

  A 20-year-old bug in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, related to how the game handles specific low-level keyboard input, resurfaced in Windows 11 24H2. This bug, originally present in the 2005 release, causes the game to minimize when certain key combinations are pressed, particularly involving the right Windows key. The issue stemmed from DirectInput, a now-deprecated API used for game controllers, and wasn't previously problematic because older versions of Windows handled the spurious messages differently. Windows 11's updated input stack now surfaces these messages to the game, triggering the minimize behavior. A workaround exists by using a third-party DirectInput wrapper or running the game in compatibility mode for Windows 7.

  A curious and rather amusing bug recently emerged, affecting users of Windows 11 24H2 who also happen to be fans of the classic video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. This bug, dormant for two decades, resurfaced due to a specific interaction between the game and the operating system's new memory manager. The issue manifested as distorted visuals within the game, specifically corrupt textures and graphical artifacts, rendering San Andreas virtually unplayable.

  The root cause can be traced back to a memory allocation technique used by the game dating back to its original 2004 release. San Andreas, optimized for older hardware and operating systems, employed a method of directly writing to specific memory addresses within the game's address space. This practice, while functional in the past, clashes with the modern memory management strategies implemented in Windows 11 24H2. The new memory manager, designed for enhanced security and efficiency, employs stricter controls over how applications access and modify memory. This stricter control inadvertently interferes with San Andreas's legacy memory access patterns.

  More specifically, Windows 11 24H2's memory manager seems to misinterpret San Andreas's direct memory writes. Instead of allowing the game to modify the intended texture data, the operating system prevents or redirects these writes, leading to the corrupted visuals observed by players. The author highlights that this issue is not unique to San Andreas; other older games employing similar memory manipulation techniques could potentially exhibit similar compatibility problems on Windows 11 24H2. This underscores the challenges faced when maintaining backward compatibility with legacy software on constantly evolving operating systems.

  Interestingly, the bug's manifestation isn't consistent across all hardware configurations. Some users reported no issues, while others experienced severe graphical glitches. This variability suggests that factors like specific graphics drivers or system configurations might play a role in whether the bug is triggered. The blog post meticulously details the author's investigation process, showcasing their use of debugging tools and memory analysis to pinpoint the problem's origin. Through careful observation and experimentation, they demonstrated how specific memory addresses accessed by San Andreas were being handled differently by the updated memory manager. The author concluded by suggesting potential workarounds, including running the game in compatibility mode for older Windows versions, although the effectiveness of these workarounds seemed to vary. The post serves as a fascinating example of how legacy software can unexpectedly interact with modern operating systems, highlighting the complexities of maintaining backward compatibility in the ever-evolving landscape of computer technology.

  • GTA San Andreas
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 11 24H2
  • bug
  • software bug
  • Glitch
  • Gaming
  • PC Gaming
  • Retro Gaming
  • Operating System
  • Microsoft
  • Rockstar Games
  • compatibility
  • Software Compatibility
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Debugging

  Summary of Comments ( 48 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43772311

  Verbose tl;dr

  Commenters on Hacker News discuss the GTA San Andreas bug triggered by Windows 11 24H2, mostly focusing on the technical aspects. Several highlight the likely culprit: a change in how Windows handles thread local storage (TLS) callbacks, specifically the order of execution. One compelling comment notes the difficulty in debugging such issues, as the problem might not lie within the game's code itself, but rather in the interaction with the OS, making it hard to pinpoint and fix. Others mention the impressive longevity of the game and express surprise that such a bug could remain hidden for so long, while some jokingly lament the "progress" of Windows updates. A few commenters share their own experiences with similar obscure bugs and the challenges they posed.

  The Hacker News post discussing a 20-year-old bug in GTA San Andreas surfacing in Windows 11 24H2 has several comments exploring the technical aspects and implications of the issue.

  One commenter highlights the complexity of software interactions, pointing out how a seemingly unrelated change in the operating system can unexpectedly trigger dormant bugs in older applications. They emphasize the difficulty in predicting such issues, especially in large and intricate systems like Windows and a game as complex as GTA San Andreas.

  Another comment delves into the specifics of the bug, explaining how the change in Windows 11's handling of specific instructions, particularly related to floating-point operations and denormalized numbers, led to the game's malfunction. This explanation provides a technical understanding of why the bug only surfaced after the Windows update.

  Several commenters discuss the challenges faced by developers in maintaining backward compatibility, especially over such long periods. They note that anticipating all possible interactions between a game and future operating system updates is practically impossible. The idea of "bit rot," where software gradually degrades over time due to changes in the surrounding technological environment, is also mentioned.

  One commenter mentions a similar experience with another older game, illustrating that this kind of issue isn't unique to GTA San Andreas and highlighting the broader challenge of preserving software functionality across evolving platforms.

  There's a discussion about the nature of denormalized numbers and their impact on performance. One commenter questions the practical necessity of handling denormalized numbers in modern hardware and software, suggesting that their support might be more trouble than it's worth in some contexts.

  Finally, a few commenters offer potential workarounds for the issue, such as disabling hardware acceleration or using compatibility modes in Windows 11. These suggestions provide practical solutions for users affected by the bug while waiting for a permanent fix.

• Restoring Old Software for Child Learning Safety

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  Posted: 2025-04-20 23:23:43

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  The blog post discusses the challenges and benefits of using older software for children's learning. While newer educational software often boasts flashy features, older programs can offer a simpler, more focused learning experience without the distractions of modern interfaces and internet connectivity. The author describes their process of restoring vintage educational software onto modern hardware, highlighting the technical hurdles involved in making older operating systems and software compatible. Ultimately, the post advocates for considering older software as a viable option for providing a safe, distraction-free digital learning environment for children.

  This blog post, titled "Restoring Old Software for Child Learning Safety," delves into the multifaceted motivations and intricate processes involved in resurrecting obsolete software specifically for the purpose of providing a secure and controlled digital learning environment for children. The author posits that older software, particularly educational titles designed for earlier operating systems, often offers a simpler, more focused, and less commercially driven learning experience compared to contemporary software and online platforms. This simplicity, coupled with the absence of modern internet connectivity requirements, contributes to a safer environment by mitigating exposure to inappropriate content, excessive advertising, data collection practices, and the distractions inherent in the constantly evolving digital landscape.

  The post details the author's personal journey of restoring vintage educational software onto modern hardware. This endeavor involves overcoming compatibility challenges presented by outdated operating systems and file formats. The author explores various techniques, including utilizing virtual machines, specifically mentioning DOSBox and VirtualBox, to emulate the original operating system environment required by the legacy software. The process is described as involving sourcing original installation media, such as floppy disks or CD-ROMs, and meticulously transferring these often fragile and delicate data artifacts to more contemporary storage formats. The author also highlights the complexities of configuring the virtual machine environment to optimally run the old software, including addressing issues related to screen resolution, sound compatibility, and peripheral device support, all while ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience for the child.

  Furthermore, the post emphasizes the educational value of engaging with older software. It argues that these programs often embody different pedagogical approaches and design philosophies, potentially offering unique learning opportunities not always present in modern software. The act of restoration itself is presented as a valuable learning experience, fostering an understanding of computer history, software development, and problem-solving skills. The author concludes by championing the benefits of this approach for creating a curated and controlled digital learning environment for children, providing them with the advantages of educational software while shielding them from the potential harms and distractions prevalent in the modern internet-connected world. The blog post implicitly advocates for a more mindful and deliberate approach to children’s interaction with technology, promoting the idea of leveraging the positive aspects of older software while mitigating the risks associated with contemporary online experiences.

  • Software Preservation
  • Retrocomputing
  • educational software
  • Child Safety
  • abandonware
  • vintage software
  • digital preservation
  • Legacy Software
  • child learning
  • online safety
  • computer history
  • Software Compatibility
  • Virtualization
  • Emulation

  Summary of Comments ( 18 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43747283

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discussed the benefits and challenges of using old software for children's learning. Some highlighted the appeal of simpler interfaces and the potential for focused learning without distractions like ads or internet access. Others emphasized the importance of curated experiences, acknowledging that while some older software can be valuable, much of it is simply obsolete. Several commenters mentioned the difficulty of getting old software to run on modern hardware and operating systems, with suggestions like DOSBox and virtual machines offered as solutions. The idea of a curated repository of suitable older software was also raised, but concerns about copyright and the ongoing maintenance effort were also noted. A few users pointed out the educational value in teaching children how to deal with older technology and its limitations, viewing it as a form of digital literacy.

  The Hacker News post titled "Restoring Old Software for Child Learning Safety" generated a moderate amount of discussion with a variety of perspectives on using older software for children's learning environments.

  Several commenters focused on the practical challenges and potential drawbacks of the approach. One user highlighted the difficulty of maintaining older software and hardware, pointing out the scarcity of replacement parts and the expertise needed to keep them running. They also mentioned the potential security risks associated with running outdated software. Another commenter questioned the educational benefits, arguing that older software might not be as engaging or effective as modern learning tools designed with contemporary pedagogical principles in mind. The limited exposure to current technology could also put children at a disadvantage later on, they suggested. One user even jokingly compared it to training a pilot on a biplane.

  Others expressed more positive views, emphasizing the potential advantages of older software. One commenter appreciated the simpler, less distracting nature of older programs, suggesting that this could foster deeper focus and learning. They argued that modern software often comes with unnecessary bloat and distractions that can hinder a child's learning experience. Another user brought up the value of learning to use command-line interfaces and gaining a deeper understanding of how computers work, which older software can facilitate. The potential for fostering problem-solving skills through troubleshooting was also mentioned.

  The idea of curated environments and controlled exposure to technology resonated with some commenters. They acknowledged the potential benefits of limiting access to the wider internet and the constant stream of distractions it presents. One user discussed using Raspberry Pis with custom software installations to create a safe and focused learning environment for their child.

  A few commenters shared their own experiences with using older software for educational purposes. One recounted their positive experiences with older educational games and software, emphasizing the educational value and engaging nature of these programs.

  While there was no single overwhelmingly compelling comment, the discussion offered a nuanced exploration of the trade-offs involved in using older software for children's learning. The comments highlighted the potential benefits of simplicity, focus, and a deeper understanding of computing principles, while also acknowledging the challenges of maintenance, security risks, and potential educational limitations. The discussion ultimately reflected the diverse perspectives on balancing technological advancement with appropriate educational practices for children.