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32-bit file access refers to the higher performance,protected mode disk caching method introduced inWindows for Workgroups 3.11, which replacedSmartDrive (Smartdrv). It bypassedMS-DOS and directly accessed the disk, either via theBIOS or (preferably)32-bit disk access (Windows-native protected mode disk drivers). This feature was abackport from the then-unreleasedWindows 95, as suggested by Microsoft's advertisements for Windows for Workgroups 3.11 ("the 32-bit file system from our Chicago project").
It was implemented using theVFAT, VCACHE, andIFSMgrVxD drivers.
Also, it should not be confused with32-bit disk access. Although both technologies are similar, 32-bit disk access (also known asFastDisk) pre-datesWindows for Workgroups 3.11. 32-bit file access provided a 32-bit code path for Windows to directly access the disk bus by intercepting theMS-DOS Int 21H services while remaining in 386protected mode, rather than handling the Int 21H services in real mode by MS-DOS. 32-bit disk access offers relatively less performance and is less likely to work on many computers than 32-bit file access. 32-bit file access does not need 32-bit disk access.
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