# win_buf_alloc_64()

Allocates a Windows global memory buffer which can be used with the scan functions, and returns a memory handle for it.

Most devices return data in a 16-bit format. For these devices, create the buffer using win_buf_alloc(). Some devices return data in higher resolution formats, or the resolution of the data can vary depending on various options used to collect the data. In these cases, determine if the buffer needs to be created using win_buf_alloc_32() or win_buf_alloc_64(). Refer to hardware-specific information to determine the type of buffer needed. If not specifically mentioned, use win_buf_alloc().

Some devices support acquisition of scaled data. In these cases, create the buffer with scaled_win_buf_alloc(). Refer to hardware-specific information to determine if the device supports scaled data.

## Prototype

win_buf_alloc_64(num_points)

## Parameters

num_points (int)

The size of the buffer to allocate. Specifies the number of double precision values (8-byte or 64-bit) that the buffer will hold.

## Returns

- 0 if the buffer could not be allocated, or a non-zero integer handle to the buffer (int)

## Notes

- Unlike most other functions in the library, this function does not return an error code. It returns a Windows global memory handle which can then be passed to the scan functions in the library. If an error occurs, the handle will come back as 0 to indicate that the buffer was not allocated.