[RESOLVED] First foray into libboost

[D_Drmmr]

If I build my app without Boost support (Debug or Release mode) it uses CRT 8.0.50608.0. If I add Boost support, the manifest then specifies a second CRT. So I need 8.0.50608.0 and also 8.0.50727.4053, which is the one used by Boost.

I would recommend not mixing different versions of the CRT. For one, you're asking for trouble when you need to distribute your binaries. If all your dll's link against the same version, you can always distribute that version with your binaries.

Note that I don't have 8.0.50608.0, which seems to be the one used by my copy of VS..! Surely it wouldn't have installed itself and not installed the CRT that it needs? Or is it the case that CRTs are backwards compatible (i.e. more recent ones can be used in place of older ones?)

I think that's where the 'intricate' part of the whole thing really kicks in. I'm not sure how Windows keeps track of the different versions on your system and, to be honest, I really don't want to know.

In my opinion, the best you could do is to figure out how to build the boost libraries yourself using bjam. That way you can make sure they link against the correct CRT. Also, when you decide to update boost, you won't be facing the same problem all over again.

[John E]

In my opinion, the best you could do is to figure out how to build the boost libraries yourself using bjam. That way you can make sure they link against the correct CRT. Also, when you decide to update boost, you won't be facing the same problem all over again.

I must admit, I'm tempted to do that. In fact, I tried it yesterday but gave up after a few build problems.

This morning I bit the bullet and updated both XP (to SP3) and VS8 Express (to SP1). I've lost a whopping 500MB of disk space that I could ill afford and (whoopee!!) I've got an extra DebugCRT installed. The bad news is that it's only taken me up to 8.0.50727.762. So I still haven't attained the much needed 8.0.50727.4053. I guess there must be a SP2 lurking somewhere for VS8 Express. Or (knowing Microsoft) they probably left the Express Edition at SP1 and I'll now have to pay a lot of money (and lose a lot more disk space) by installing the full product (which I don't otherwise need).

Personally, I've been a Microsoft fan for many years but I'm beginning to understand why they're so disliked....

[John E]

I just wanted to document the solution to this problem because I hit exactly the same situation today and I'd completely forgotten how to solve it. The solution is described here.