Default Libraries

Most compilers embed the names of needed libraries (called default libraries) in object files. LINK386 searches these libraries. Because of this, you need to explicitly enter library names only in the following cases:

• You want to use additional libraries.

• You are using a library not in the current directory and not in a directory specified by the LIB environment variable. See Where LINK386 Looks for Files.

• You want to use a library other than the one specified in the object file.

Explicitly entered libraries are always searched before default libraries. If an external reference is resolved by more than one library, the order of libraries on the command line determines which library is used.

To ignore default libraries use the Ignore Default Libraries (/NOD). But be careful - most compilers expect their object files to be linked with default libraries.