SetThreadContext

The SetThreadContext function sets the context (all register values) for the specified thread.

Syntax

BOOL SetThreadContext(
  HANDLE    hThread,
  CONST CONTEXT *lpContext
);

Parameters

Return Value

If the function succeeds, the return value is nonzero. If the function fails, the return value is zero. To get extended error information, call GetLastError.

Remarks

The SetThreadContext function is used to modify the execution state of a thread. This is typically done for debugging purposes or to control thread execution in a very specific way.

When setting the context, it is crucial that the CONTEXT structure is populated with valid register values for the target processor architecture. Incorrect values can lead to unpredictable behavior, including thread termination or system instability.

Use the GetThreadContext function to retrieve the current context of a thread before calling SetThreadContext. This allows you to modify existing values rather than setting them from scratch.

Important Security Considerations:

Note: You must ensure that the thread is suspended before calling SetThreadContext and resume it afterward. Failure to do so may lead to unpredictable results.

See Also