The "Pass Data File Object Handle in Environment" setting determines how &xwp; will set the WP_OBJHANDLE variable in the environment of a program that was started via a data file association. Disabling this setting allows you to reduce the number of file-system object handles that are created on your system. This setting was added because every time a data file is started, for example when you double-click on a data file, an object handle has to be created for the file, which will remain in the OS2SYS.INI file forever, even if it is never used again. Over time, this can create a lot of handles. You can thus now turn the setting off, and you will find that your handles section in OS2SYS.INI will no longer grow as fast.

However, some applications might rely on the default Workplace Shell behavior. If you turn the setting off and an application no longer works, you will have to keep the setting enabled.

The setting takes effect immediately.