program freezes when trying to do a build

[kefka95]

Hello,

I apologize if this is not the appropriate place to post this, I wasn't sure where else it would go. I recently began an Intro to C++ course in which we use Visual C++ Professional 6.0. My problem is this:

Whenever I try to do a build, and sometimes a compile, Visual C++ simply sits there and says "Linking" forever. Though it does this on anything I try to do a build for, right now I'm just trying to execute a simple "Hello world" program (ie, less than 10 lines of very simple code). The "stop build" button does not work, and the only way to re-activate the build/compile/execute buttons is to CTRL-ALT-DEL out of Visual C++ and restart it. Visual C++ doesn't actually freeze - all the other functions of the program seem to continue working fine - but it's impossible to test out any changes I make.

The odd thing is, once I restart Visual C++, the program will build and execute perfectly fine (unless of course I try to make a change to the code and do another build, in which case the whole scenario starts over again).

As far as I can tell, this does *not* happen if Windows XP is in Safe Mode. However, with XP in normal mode, I have tried shutting down literally every single running process (except for the ones it won't let me shut down), yet this "freezing" still happens.

If anyone has any idea what's wrong, any help would be greatly appreciated.

[cilu]

It happened to me too, several times in my life, but i couldn't find any cause or way to avoid it. As believe it is some bug in the MSDEV version we have. If you close the Studio and restart it won't do the same thing.

[astanley]

If you have any virus scanning software running, try disabling it.

[kefka95]

Ok, I've narrowed down the problem a bit. It seems this only happens if I do a compile before doing a build or an execute. If I simply never compile and always go straight to build or execute, the problem doesn't seem to come back.

It's good to know, but still annoying not to simply be able to compile. Does this give anyone any other ideas?


EDIT: Now that I've said that, I've discovered it can indeed happen even if I don't do a compile. Maybe I'll just format my HD and see if it will work then.

[JohnCz]

Is it happening for one particular project?

[kefka95]

Is it happening for one particular project?

Unfortunately it's been happening with every project I've tried (about 10 other projects equally simple).

[JohnCz]

It is kind of strange.
I have noticed that you differentiate behavior when linking, compiling and build.
Does VC behave differently for each action?

Even if it does I would suggest reinstalling software. That will not do any harm, but if problem persists, you will know that something else prevents VS from working properly.

[schlmom]

Hi. Same thing happens to me also. It's getting very frustrating. One thing I have noticed is that if I hide the output window, then save and build, I don't have the problem as often.

[Mick]

Never saw an answer to the post about disabling your virus scanner. Virus scanners cause problems with the IDE. Disable it. If it works in safemode then the virus scanners filter drivers for the file system shouldn't be getting installed.

I would download filemon from www.sysinternals.com and see what files are being accessed at the time the IDE 'hangs'. I would also break into the ide with a debugger and see where it is hanging (with the OS symbols installed of course)

[PaulMdx]

Giving this a little bump..

I've started having this problem recently when my WinXP Pro dev box was rebuilt.. VC6 sp5 with/without virus scanner - always seems to happen.. :-(

It seems to be when VC calls a command line app, because I tend to get freezes when both link or mc are called.

As others have mentioned - this will happen with any project and it's with unaltered projects other developers consistently build fine.

Going to see if I can track down any open file handles now.. Any solutions greatly appreciated!

[santoct2002]

Hi All,

I am thinking that above mentioned problem I am only facing, but it seems most of the programmers are living with it everyday. It is really frustrating, You can see 100% CPU usage when try to build .

First MSDEV.exe - will take 100% cpu usuage
Second c1.exe - will take 100% cpu usuage
Third link.exe - will take 100% cpu usuage
Fourth cvpack.exe - will take 100% cpu usuage

Then again
MSDEV.exe - will take 100% cpu usuage

And finally it will run.. Between this time I can go and have some snacks and coffe and comeback for work..

So I am spending most of the time in Canteen , Gurus give me a solution to this 100% Cpu Usuage But 0% work has done...

[Mick]

The latest service pack for VC6.0 is SP6...if you don't have it installed then install it...

msdn.microsoft.com

Some issues listed for IDE problems

http://support.microsoft.com/default...NoWebContent=1