diff --git a/files/file.c b/files/file.c
index e3e4eeb2612..65d7d6b3aa9 100644
--- a/files/file.c
+++ b/files/file.c
@@ -198,19 +198,10 @@ HFILE FILE_DupUnixHandle( int fd, DWORD access )
 int FILE_GetUnixHandle( HANDLE handle, DWORD access )
 {
     int unix_handle = -1;
-    if (access == GENERIC_READ)
-    {
-        struct get_read_fd_request *req = get_req_buffer();
-        req->handle = handle;
-        server_call_fd( REQ_GET_READ_FD, -1, &unix_handle );
-    }
-    else if (access == GENERIC_WRITE)
-    {
-        struct get_write_fd_request *req = get_req_buffer();
-        req->handle = handle;
-        server_call_fd( REQ_GET_WRITE_FD, -1, &unix_handle );
-    }
-    else ERR( "bad access %08lx\n", access );
+    struct get_handle_fd_request *req = get_req_buffer();
+    req->handle = handle;
+    req->access = access;
+    server_call_fd( REQ_GET_HANDLE_FD, -1, &unix_handle );
     return unix_handle;
 }
 
diff --git a/include/server.h b/include/server.h
index 5b71126f834..f0a614d6a48 100644
--- a/include/server.h
+++ b/include/server.h
@@ -130,7 +130,6 @@ struct new_process_request
     IN  int          hstdout;      /* handle for stdout */
     IN  int          hstderr;      /* handle for stderr */
     IN  int          cmd_show;     /* main window show mode */
-    IN  int          alloc_fd;     /* create the fd pair right now? */
     IN  VARARG(filename,string);   /* file name of main exe */
 };
 
@@ -542,19 +541,13 @@ struct alloc_file_handle_request
 };
 
 
-/* Get a Unix fd to read from a file */
-struct get_read_fd_request
-{
-    REQUEST_HEADER;                 /* request header */
-    IN  int          handle;        /* handle to the file */
-};
-
-
-/* Get a Unix fd to write to a file */
-struct get_write_fd_request
+/* Get a Unix fd to access a file */
+struct get_handle_fd_request
 {
     REQUEST_HEADER;                 /* request header */
     IN  int          handle;        /* handle to the file */
+    IN  unsigned int access;        /* wanted access rights */
+    OUT int          fd;            /* file descriptor */
 };
 
 
@@ -1396,8 +1389,7 @@ enum request
     REQ_OPEN_SEMAPHORE,
     REQ_CREATE_FILE,
     REQ_ALLOC_FILE_HANDLE,
-    REQ_GET_READ_FD,
-    REQ_GET_WRITE_FD,
+    REQ_GET_HANDLE_FD,
     REQ_SET_FILE_POINTER,
     REQ_TRUNCATE_FILE,
     REQ_SET_FILE_TIME,
@@ -1513,8 +1505,7 @@ union generic_request
     struct open_semaphore_request open_semaphore;
     struct create_file_request create_file;
     struct alloc_file_handle_request alloc_file_handle;
-    struct get_read_fd_request get_read_fd;
-    struct get_write_fd_request get_write_fd;
+    struct get_handle_fd_request get_handle_fd;
     struct set_file_pointer_request set_file_pointer;
     struct truncate_file_request truncate_file;
     struct set_file_time_request set_file_time;
@@ -1588,7 +1579,7 @@ union generic_request
     struct async_result_request async_result;
 };
 
-#define SERVER_PROTOCOL_VERSION 29
+#define SERVER_PROTOCOL_VERSION 30
 
 /* ### make_requests end ### */
 /* Everything above this line is generated automatically by tools/make_requests */
diff --git a/scheduler/process.c b/scheduler/process.c
index 4f573705ff4..f51d26f2d9a 100644
--- a/scheduler/process.c
+++ b/scheduler/process.c
@@ -778,7 +778,6 @@ BOOL PROCESS_Create( HFILE hFile, LPCSTR filename, LPSTR cmd_line, LPCSTR env,
             req->hstderr = GetStdHandle( STD_ERROR_HANDLE );
         }
         req->cmd_show = startup->wShowWindow;
-        req->alloc_fd = 0;
 
         if (hFile == -1)  /* unix process */
         {
diff --git a/server/async.c b/server/async.c
index 379d130f95b..7978a908995 100644
--- a/server/async.c
+++ b/server/async.c
@@ -58,8 +58,7 @@ struct async
 static void async_dump( struct object *obj, int verbose );
 static void async_destroy( struct object *obj );
 static int async_get_poll_events( struct object *obj );
-static int async_get_read_fd( struct object *obj );
-static int async_get_write_fd( struct object *obj );
+static int async_get_fd( struct object *obj );
 static int async_get_info( struct object *obj, struct get_file_info_request *req );
 static void async_poll_event( struct object *obj, int event );
 
@@ -73,8 +72,7 @@ static const struct object_ops async_ops =
     no_satisfied,                 /* satisfied */
     async_get_poll_events,        /* get_poll_events */
     async_poll_event,             /* poll_event */
-    async_get_read_fd,            /* get_read_fd */
-    async_get_write_fd,           /* get_write_fd */
+    async_get_fd,                 /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                     /* flush */
     async_get_info,               /* get_file_info */
     async_destroy                 /* destroy */
@@ -115,14 +113,7 @@ static int async_get_poll_events( struct object *obj )
     return serial_async_get_poll_events(ov);
 }
 
-static int async_get_read_fd( struct object *obj )
-{
-    struct async *async = (struct async *)obj;
-    assert( obj->ops == &async_ops );
-    return dup( async->obj.fd );
-}
-
-static int async_get_write_fd( struct object *obj )
+static int async_get_fd( struct object *obj )
 {
     struct async *async = (struct async *)obj;
     assert( obj->ops == &async_ops );
diff --git a/server/atom.c b/server/atom.c
index 0e9f47782f2..55fc6b7f23f 100644
--- a/server/atom.c
+++ b/server/atom.c
@@ -54,8 +54,7 @@ static const struct object_ops atom_table_ops =
     NULL,                         /* satified */
     NULL,                         /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                         /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                   /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                  /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                    /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                     /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,             /* get_file_info */
     atom_table_destroy            /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/change.c b/server/change.c
index 844e21b25d0..338712e9fc1 100644
--- a/server/change.c
+++ b/server/change.c
@@ -34,8 +34,7 @@ static const struct object_ops change_ops =
     no_satisfied,             /* satisfied */
     NULL,                     /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                     /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,               /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,              /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                 /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,         /* get_file_info */
     no_destroy                /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/console.c b/server/console.c
index e8526a2f516..6f72ade2ac6 100644
--- a/server/console.c
+++ b/server/console.c
@@ -58,12 +58,12 @@ struct screen_buffer
 
 static void console_input_dump( struct object *obj, int verbose );
 static int console_input_get_poll_events( struct object *obj );
-static int console_input_get_read_fd( struct object *obj );
+static int console_input_get_fd( struct object *obj );
 static void console_input_destroy( struct object *obj );
 
 static void screen_buffer_dump( struct object *obj, int verbose );
 static int screen_buffer_get_poll_events( struct object *obj );
-static int screen_buffer_get_write_fd( struct object *obj );
+static int screen_buffer_get_fd( struct object *obj );
 static void screen_buffer_destroy( struct object *obj );
 
 /* common routine */
@@ -79,8 +79,7 @@ static const struct object_ops console_input_ops =
     no_satisfied,                     /* satisfied */
     console_input_get_poll_events,    /* get_poll_events */
     default_poll_event,               /* poll_event */
-    console_input_get_read_fd,        /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                      /* get_write_fd */
+    console_input_get_fd,             /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                         /* flush */
     console_get_info,                 /* get_file_info */
     console_input_destroy             /* destroy */
@@ -96,8 +95,7 @@ static const struct object_ops screen_buffer_ops =
     no_satisfied,                     /* satisfied */
     screen_buffer_get_poll_events,    /* get_poll_events */
     default_poll_event,               /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                       /* get_read_fd */
-    screen_buffer_get_write_fd,       /* get_write_fd */
+    screen_buffer_get_fd,             /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                         /* flush */
     console_get_info,                 /* get_file_info */
     screen_buffer_destroy             /* destroy */
@@ -352,7 +350,7 @@ static int console_input_get_poll_events( struct object *obj )
     return POLLIN;
 }
 
-static int console_input_get_read_fd( struct object *obj )
+static int console_input_get_fd( struct object *obj )
 {
     struct console_input *console = (struct console_input *)obj;
     assert( obj->ops == &console_input_ops );
@@ -393,7 +391,7 @@ static int screen_buffer_get_poll_events( struct object *obj )
     return POLLOUT;
 }
 
-static int screen_buffer_get_write_fd( struct object *obj )
+static int screen_buffer_get_fd( struct object *obj )
 {
     struct screen_buffer *console = (struct screen_buffer *)obj;
     assert( obj->ops == &screen_buffer_ops );
@@ -483,12 +481,12 @@ DECL_HANDLER(set_console_fd)
 
     if (!(obj = get_handle_obj( current->process, req->file_handle,
                                 GENERIC_READ | GENERIC_WRITE, NULL ))) return;
-    if ((fd_in = obj->ops->get_read_fd( obj )) == -1)
+    if ((fd_in = obj->ops->get_fd( obj )) == -1)
     {
         release_object( obj );
         return;
     }
-    fd_out = obj->ops->get_write_fd( obj );
+    fd_out = dup( fd_in );
     release_object( obj );
     if (fd_out != -1)
     {
diff --git a/server/debugger.c b/server/debugger.c
index 946d659b171..c88f82ef27e 100644
--- a/server/debugger.c
+++ b/server/debugger.c
@@ -53,8 +53,7 @@ static const struct object_ops debug_event_ops =
     no_satisfied,                  /* satisfied */
     NULL,                          /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                          /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                    /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                   /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                     /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                      /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,              /* get_file_info */
     debug_event_destroy            /* destroy */
@@ -74,8 +73,7 @@ static const struct object_ops debug_ctx_ops =
     no_satisfied,                  /* satisfied */
     NULL,                          /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                          /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                    /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                   /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                     /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                      /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,              /* get_file_info */
     debug_ctx_destroy              /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/device.c b/server/device.c
index f1ab4c3515d..4183b75a2b8 100644
--- a/server/device.c
+++ b/server/device.c
@@ -41,8 +41,7 @@ static const struct object_ops device_ops =
     NULL,                     /* satisfied */
     NULL,                     /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                     /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,               /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,              /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                 /* flush */
     device_get_info,          /* get_file_info */
     no_destroy                /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/event.c b/server/event.c
index f259b909697..18f6b4155d6 100644
--- a/server/event.c
+++ b/server/event.c
@@ -35,8 +35,7 @@ static const struct object_ops event_ops =
     event_satisfied,           /* satisfied */
     NULL,                      /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                      /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,               /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                 /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                  /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,          /* get_file_info */
     no_destroy                 /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/file.c b/server/file.c
index 61a3dd3c922..5c0f59a285e 100644
--- a/server/file.c
+++ b/server/file.c
@@ -45,8 +45,7 @@ static struct file *file_hash[NAME_HASH_SIZE];
 
 static void file_dump( struct object *obj, int verbose );
 static int file_get_poll_events( struct object *obj );
-static int file_get_read_fd( struct object *obj );
-static int file_get_write_fd( struct object *obj );
+static int file_get_fd( struct object *obj );
 static int file_flush( struct object *obj );
 static int file_get_info( struct object *obj, struct get_file_info_request *req );
 static void file_destroy( struct object *obj );
@@ -61,8 +60,7 @@ static const struct object_ops file_ops =
     no_satisfied,                 /* satisfied */
     file_get_poll_events,         /* get_poll_events */
     default_poll_event,           /* poll_event */
-    file_get_read_fd,             /* get_read_fd */
-    file_get_write_fd,            /* get_write_fd */
+    file_get_fd,                  /* get_fd */
     file_flush,                   /* flush */
     file_get_info,                /* get_file_info */
     file_destroy                  /* destroy */
@@ -233,14 +231,7 @@ static int file_get_poll_events( struct object *obj )
     return events;
 }
 
-static int file_get_read_fd( struct object *obj )
-{
-    struct file *file = (struct file *)obj;
-    assert( obj->ops == &file_ops );
-    return dup( file->obj.fd );
-}
-
-static int file_get_write_fd( struct object *obj )
+static int file_get_fd( struct object *obj )
 {
     struct file *file = (struct file *)obj;
     assert( obj->ops == &file_ops );
@@ -480,26 +471,15 @@ DECL_HANDLER(alloc_file_handle)
     else set_error( STATUS_INVALID_PARAMETER );
 }
 
-/* get a Unix fd to read from a file */
-DECL_HANDLER(get_read_fd)
+/* get a Unix fd to access a file */
+DECL_HANDLER(get_handle_fd)
 {
     struct object *obj;
 
-    if ((obj = get_handle_obj( current->process, req->handle, GENERIC_READ, NULL )))
+    req->fd = -1;
+    if ((obj = get_handle_obj( current->process, req->handle, req->access, NULL )))
     {
-        set_reply_fd( current, obj->ops->get_read_fd( obj ) );
-        release_object( obj );
-    }
-}
-
-/* get a Unix fd to write to a file */
-DECL_HANDLER(get_write_fd)
-{
-    struct object *obj;
-
-    if ((obj = get_handle_obj( current->process, req->handle, GENERIC_WRITE, NULL )))
-    {
-        set_reply_fd( current, obj->ops->get_write_fd( obj ) );
+        set_reply_fd( current, obj->ops->get_fd( obj ) );
         release_object( obj );
     }
 }
diff --git a/server/handle.c b/server/handle.c
index e71c261d499..1d1317f7f89 100644
--- a/server/handle.c
+++ b/server/handle.c
@@ -76,8 +76,7 @@ static const struct object_ops handle_table_ops =
     NULL,                            /* satisfied */
     NULL,                            /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                            /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                      /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                     /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                       /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                        /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,                /* get_file_info */
     handle_table_destroy             /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/mapping.c b/server/mapping.c
index 254924eb3f8..a68e8fb8285 100644
--- a/server/mapping.c
+++ b/server/mapping.c
@@ -43,8 +43,7 @@ static const struct object_ops mapping_ops =
     NULL,                        /* satisfied */
     NULL,                        /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                        /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                  /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                 /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                   /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                    /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,            /* get_file_info */
     mapping_destroy              /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/mutex.c b/server/mutex.c
index 82b76c26b05..1adf373f08c 100644
--- a/server/mutex.c
+++ b/server/mutex.c
@@ -39,8 +39,7 @@ static const struct object_ops mutex_ops =
     mutex_satisfied,           /* satisfied */
     NULL,                      /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                      /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,               /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                 /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                  /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,          /* get_file_info */
     mutex_destroy              /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/object.c b/server/object.c
index f2a7f1feeb4..ba2bce85057 100644
--- a/server/object.c
+++ b/server/object.c
@@ -251,13 +251,7 @@ int no_satisfied( struct object *obj, struct thread *thread )
     return 0;  /* not abandoned */
 }
 
-int no_read_fd( struct object *obj )
-{
-    set_error( STATUS_OBJECT_TYPE_MISMATCH );
-    return -1;
-}
-
-int no_write_fd( struct object *obj )
+int no_get_fd( struct object *obj )
 {
     set_error( STATUS_OBJECT_TYPE_MISMATCH );
     return -1;
diff --git a/server/object.h b/server/object.h
index 746b7f6641b..7a7d1a3d013 100644
--- a/server/object.h
+++ b/server/object.h
@@ -46,10 +46,8 @@ struct object_ops
     int  (*get_poll_events)(struct object *);
     /* a poll() event occured */
     void (*poll_event)(struct object *,int event);
-    /* return a Unix fd that can be used to read from the object */
-    int  (*get_read_fd)(struct object *);
-    /* return a Unix fd that can be used to write to the object */
-    int  (*get_write_fd)(struct object *);
+    /* return a Unix fd that can be used to read/write from the object */
+    int  (*get_fd)(struct object *);
     /* flush the object buffers */
     int  (*flush)(struct object *);
     /* get file information */
@@ -93,8 +91,7 @@ extern void release_object( void *obj );
 extern struct object *find_object( const WCHAR *name, size_t len );
 extern int no_add_queue( struct object *obj, struct wait_queue_entry *entry );
 extern int no_satisfied( struct object *obj, struct thread *thread );
-extern int no_read_fd( struct object *obj );
-extern int no_write_fd( struct object *obj );
+extern int no_get_fd( struct object *obj );
 extern int no_flush( struct object *obj );
 extern int no_get_file_info( struct object *obj, struct get_file_info_request *info );
 extern void no_destroy( struct object *obj );
diff --git a/server/pipe.c b/server/pipe.c
index d86fde86ee3..5c830c0897b 100644
--- a/server/pipe.c
+++ b/server/pipe.c
@@ -37,8 +37,7 @@ struct pipe
 
 static void pipe_dump( struct object *obj, int verbose );
 static int pipe_get_poll_events( struct object *obj );
-static int pipe_get_read_fd( struct object *obj );
-static int pipe_get_write_fd( struct object *obj );
+static int pipe_get_fd( struct object *obj );
 static int pipe_get_info( struct object *obj, struct get_file_info_request *req );
 static void pipe_destroy( struct object *obj );
 
@@ -52,8 +51,7 @@ static const struct object_ops pipe_ops =
     no_satisfied,                 /* satisfied */
     pipe_get_poll_events,         /* get_poll_events */
     default_poll_event,           /* poll_event */
-    pipe_get_read_fd,             /* get_read_fd */
-    pipe_get_write_fd,            /* get_write_fd */
+    pipe_get_fd,                  /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                     /* flush */
     pipe_get_info,                /* get_file_info */
     pipe_destroy                  /* destroy */
@@ -114,7 +112,7 @@ static int pipe_get_poll_events( struct object *obj )
     return (pipe->side == READ_SIDE) ? POLLIN : POLLOUT;
 }
 
-static int pipe_get_read_fd( struct object *obj )
+static int pipe_get_fd( struct object *obj )
 {
     struct pipe *pipe = (struct pipe *)obj;
     assert( obj->ops == &pipe_ops );
@@ -124,29 +122,6 @@ static int pipe_get_read_fd( struct object *obj )
         set_error( STATUS_PIPE_BROKEN );
         return -1;
     }
-    if (pipe->side != READ_SIDE)  /* FIXME: should not be necessary */
-    {
-        set_error( STATUS_ACCESS_DENIED );
-        return -1;
-    }
-    return dup( pipe->obj.fd );
-}
-
-static int pipe_get_write_fd( struct object *obj )
-{
-    struct pipe *pipe = (struct pipe *)obj;
-    assert( obj->ops == &pipe_ops );
-
-    if (!pipe->other)
-    {
-        set_error( STATUS_PIPE_BROKEN );
-        return -1;
-    }
-    if (pipe->side != WRITE_SIDE)  /* FIXME: should not be necessary */
-    {
-        set_error( STATUS_ACCESS_DENIED );
-        return -1;
-    }
     return dup( pipe->obj.fd );
 }
 
diff --git a/server/process.c b/server/process.c
index bdf4be68e5e..c88bd40ccac 100644
--- a/server/process.c
+++ b/server/process.c
@@ -48,8 +48,7 @@ static const struct object_ops process_ops =
     no_satisfied,                /* satisfied */
     NULL,                        /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                        /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                  /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                 /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                   /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                    /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,            /* get_file_info */
     process_destroy              /* destroy */
@@ -87,8 +86,7 @@ static const struct object_ops startup_info_ops =
     no_satisfied,                  /* satisfied */
     NULL,                          /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                          /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                    /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                   /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                     /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                      /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,              /* get_file_info */
     startup_info_destroy           /* destroy */
@@ -716,7 +714,6 @@ DECL_HANDLER(new_process)
 {
     size_t len = get_req_data_size( req );
     struct startup_info *info;
-    int sock[2];
 
     if (current->info)
     {
@@ -752,24 +749,6 @@ DECL_HANDLER(new_process)
     }
     memcpy( info->filename, get_req_data(req), len );
     info->filename[len] = 0;
-
-    if (req->alloc_fd)
-    {
-        if (socketpair( AF_UNIX, SOCK_STREAM, 0, sock ) == -1)
-        {
-            file_set_error();
-            release_object( info );
-            return;
-        }
-        if (!create_process( sock[0] ))
-        {
-            release_object( info );
-            close( sock[1] );
-            return;
-        }
-        /* thread object will be released when the thread gets killed */
-        set_reply_fd( current, sock[1] );
-    }
     current->info = info;
 }
 
diff --git a/server/queue.c b/server/queue.c
index 80cfda69461..8d63e7bc9b5 100644
--- a/server/queue.c
+++ b/server/queue.c
@@ -36,8 +36,7 @@ static const struct object_ops msg_queue_ops =
     msg_queue_satisfied,       /* satisfied */
     NULL,                      /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                      /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,               /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                 /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                  /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,          /* get_file_info */
     no_destroy                 /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/registry.c b/server/registry.c
index 3c1d57c8d77..af7ba8a0510 100644
--- a/server/registry.c
+++ b/server/registry.c
@@ -137,8 +137,7 @@ static const struct object_ops key_ops =
     NULL,                    /* satisfied */
     NULL,                    /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                    /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,              /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,             /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,               /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,        /* get_file_info */
     key_destroy              /* destroy */
@@ -1341,7 +1340,7 @@ static void load_registry( struct key *key, int handle )
     int fd;
 
     if (!(obj = get_handle_obj( current->process, handle, GENERIC_READ, NULL ))) return;
-    fd = obj->ops->get_read_fd( obj );
+    fd = obj->ops->get_fd( obj );
     release_object( obj );
     if (fd != -1)
     {
@@ -1436,7 +1435,7 @@ static void save_registry( struct key *key, int handle )
         return;
     }
     if (!(obj = get_handle_obj( current->process, handle, GENERIC_WRITE, NULL ))) return;
-    fd = obj->ops->get_write_fd( obj );
+    fd = obj->ops->get_fd( obj );
     release_object( obj );
     if (fd != -1)
     {
diff --git a/server/request.c b/server/request.c
index 5ad899a90d3..c3928e5ccb0 100644
--- a/server/request.c
+++ b/server/request.c
@@ -64,8 +64,7 @@ static const struct object_ops master_socket_ops =
     NULL,                          /* satisfied */
     NULL,                          /* get_poll_events */
     master_socket_poll_event,      /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                    /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                   /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                     /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                      /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,              /* get_file_info */
     master_socket_destroy          /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/request.h b/server/request.h
index ec32edfdd23..ef856f31d6d 100644
--- a/server/request.h
+++ b/server/request.h
@@ -106,8 +106,7 @@ DECL_HANDLER(release_semaphore);
 DECL_HANDLER(open_semaphore);
 DECL_HANDLER(create_file);
 DECL_HANDLER(alloc_file_handle);
-DECL_HANDLER(get_read_fd);
-DECL_HANDLER(get_write_fd);
+DECL_HANDLER(get_handle_fd);
 DECL_HANDLER(set_file_pointer);
 DECL_HANDLER(truncate_file);
 DECL_HANDLER(set_file_time);
@@ -222,8 +221,7 @@ static const req_handler req_handlers[REQ_NB_REQUESTS] =
     (req_handler)req_open_semaphore,
     (req_handler)req_create_file,
     (req_handler)req_alloc_file_handle,
-    (req_handler)req_get_read_fd,
-    (req_handler)req_get_write_fd,
+    (req_handler)req_get_handle_fd,
     (req_handler)req_set_file_pointer,
     (req_handler)req_truncate_file,
     (req_handler)req_set_file_time,
diff --git a/server/semaphore.c b/server/semaphore.c
index 25c0c519611..710f6ab58bb 100644
--- a/server/semaphore.c
+++ b/server/semaphore.c
@@ -35,8 +35,7 @@ static const struct object_ops semaphore_ops =
     semaphore_satisfied,           /* satisfied */
     NULL,                          /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                          /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                    /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                   /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                     /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                      /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,              /* get_file_info */
     no_destroy                     /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/serial.c b/server/serial.c
index c549becd41b..7d30d4dc957 100644
--- a/server/serial.c
+++ b/server/serial.c
@@ -37,8 +37,7 @@
 #include "request.h"
 
 static void serial_dump( struct object *obj, int verbose );
-static int serial_get_read_fd( struct object *obj );
-static int serial_get_write_fd( struct object *obj );
+static int serial_get_fd( struct object *obj );
 static int serial_get_info( struct object *obj, struct get_file_info_request *req );
 static int serial_get_poll_events( struct object *obj );
 
@@ -72,8 +71,7 @@ static const struct object_ops serial_ops =
     no_satisfied,                 /* satisfied */
     serial_get_poll_events,       /* get_poll_events */
     default_poll_event,           /* poll_event */
-    serial_get_read_fd,           /* get_read_fd */
-    serial_get_write_fd,          /* get_write_fd */
+    serial_get_fd,                /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                     /* flush */
     serial_get_info,              /* get_file_info */
     no_destroy                    /* destroy */
@@ -152,14 +150,7 @@ static int serial_get_poll_events( struct object *obj )
     return events;
 }
 
-static int serial_get_read_fd( struct object *obj )
-{
-    struct serial *serial = (struct serial *)obj;
-    assert( obj->ops == &serial_ops );
-    return dup( serial->obj.fd );
-}
-
-static int serial_get_write_fd( struct object *obj )
+static int serial_get_fd( struct object *obj )
 {
     struct serial *serial = (struct serial *)obj;
     assert( obj->ops == &serial_ops );
diff --git a/server/snapshot.c b/server/snapshot.c
index 0a690eb8eb1..ae4eb4926ac 100644
--- a/server/snapshot.c
+++ b/server/snapshot.c
@@ -47,8 +47,7 @@ static const struct object_ops snapshot_ops =
     NULL,                         /* satisfied */
     NULL,                         /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                         /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                   /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                  /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                    /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                     /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,             /* get_file_info */
     snapshot_destroy              /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/sock.c b/server/sock.c
index 72cea8964c0..c5f41e4f0d5 100644
--- a/server/sock.c
+++ b/server/sock.c
@@ -69,8 +69,7 @@ static const struct object_ops sock_ops =
     no_satisfied,                 /* satisfied */
     sock_get_poll_events,         /* get_poll_events */
     sock_poll_event,              /* poll_event */
-    sock_get_fd,                  /* get_read_fd */
-    sock_get_fd,                  /* get_write_fd */
+    sock_get_fd,                  /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                     /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,             /* get_file_info */
     sock_destroy                  /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/thread.c b/server/thread.c
index d21cdd7a228..7cfacdc2dad 100644
--- a/server/thread.c
+++ b/server/thread.c
@@ -76,8 +76,7 @@ static const struct object_ops thread_ops =
     no_satisfied,               /* satisfied */
     NULL,                       /* get_poll_events */
     thread_poll_event,          /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                 /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,                /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                  /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                   /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,           /* get_file_info */
     destroy_thread              /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/timer.c b/server/timer.c
index d74fc72fe36..198b0f5dd09 100644
--- a/server/timer.c
+++ b/server/timer.c
@@ -42,8 +42,7 @@ static const struct object_ops timer_ops =
     timer_satisfied,           /* satisfied */
     NULL,                      /* get_poll_events */
     NULL,                      /* poll_event */
-    no_read_fd,                /* get_read_fd */
-    no_write_fd,               /* get_write_fd */
+    no_get_fd,                 /* get_fd */
     no_flush,                  /* flush */
     no_get_file_info,          /* get_file_info */
     timer_destroy              /* destroy */
diff --git a/server/trace.c b/server/trace.c
index 6b6f3abfdaf..bad07e832f8 100644
--- a/server/trace.c
+++ b/server/trace.c
@@ -256,7 +256,6 @@ static void dump_new_process_request( const struct new_process_request *req )
     fprintf( stderr, " hstdout=%d,", req->hstdout );
     fprintf( stderr, " hstderr=%d,", req->hstderr );
     fprintf( stderr, " cmd_show=%d,", req->cmd_show );
-    fprintf( stderr, " alloc_fd=%d,", req->alloc_fd );
     fprintf( stderr, " filename=" );
     cur_pos += dump_varargs_string( req );
 }
@@ -657,14 +656,15 @@ static void dump_alloc_file_handle_reply( const struct alloc_file_handle_request
     fprintf( stderr, " handle=%d", req->handle );
 }
 
-static void dump_get_read_fd_request( const struct get_read_fd_request *req )
+static void dump_get_handle_fd_request( const struct get_handle_fd_request *req )
 {
-    fprintf( stderr, " handle=%d", req->handle );
+    fprintf( stderr, " handle=%d,", req->handle );
+    fprintf( stderr, " access=%08x", req->access );
 }
 
-static void dump_get_write_fd_request( const struct get_write_fd_request *req )
+static void dump_get_handle_fd_reply( const struct get_handle_fd_request *req )
 {
-    fprintf( stderr, " handle=%d", req->handle );
+    fprintf( stderr, " fd=%d", req->fd );
 }
 
 static void dump_set_file_pointer_request( const struct set_file_pointer_request *req )
@@ -1487,8 +1487,7 @@ static const dump_func req_dumpers[REQ_NB_REQUESTS] = {
     (dump_func)dump_open_semaphore_request,
     (dump_func)dump_create_file_request,
     (dump_func)dump_alloc_file_handle_request,
-    (dump_func)dump_get_read_fd_request,
-    (dump_func)dump_get_write_fd_request,
+    (dump_func)dump_get_handle_fd_request,
     (dump_func)dump_set_file_pointer_request,
     (dump_func)dump_truncate_file_request,
     (dump_func)dump_set_file_time_request,
@@ -1600,8 +1599,7 @@ static const dump_func reply_dumpers[REQ_NB_REQUESTS] = {
     (dump_func)dump_open_semaphore_reply,
     (dump_func)dump_create_file_reply,
     (dump_func)dump_alloc_file_handle_reply,
-    (dump_func)0,
-    (dump_func)0,
+    (dump_func)dump_get_handle_fd_reply,
     (dump_func)dump_set_file_pointer_reply,
     (dump_func)0,
     (dump_func)0,
@@ -1713,8 +1711,7 @@ static const char * const req_names[REQ_NB_REQUESTS] = {
     "open_semaphore",
     "create_file",
     "alloc_file_handle",
-    "get_read_fd",
-    "get_write_fd",
+    "get_handle_fd",
     "set_file_pointer",
     "truncate_file",
     "set_file_time",