visual studio 2019 - C++ cannot open source file - c++

I am using Microsoft Visual Studio Community 2019 Version 16.8.4 on a Windows 10 machine.
I have established that my include files live in "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2017\Community\VC\Tools\MSVC\14.15.26726\include" because I can actually see them listed there. However, I get an error with the line #include <cstdio>.
I have tried right click on project name to bring up a context from which I chose 'Properties'. From the "Solution Project1 Property Pages", I selected "Debug Source Files" and then entered the full directory path to the include files.
I still get the error

You need to add the directory where the headers are found to the project properties under either C/C++ -> Additional include directories or VC++ -> Include directories.
And note that you need to make sure that the directory is added for all project configurations/platforms you wish to be able to build. The Debug source files item is only so that files can be found when running the debugger and have nothing to do with the project build stage.

I ran Visual Studio Installer and noted that one of the workloads, 'Desktop development with C++' had not been activated. After activating it and downloading the required or missing binaries, I am now able to create an empty project using an example of the quintessential 'Hello World' program such as #include int main(){printf("Hello, world");return 0;}

#include <cstdio> is part of the C++ Standard Library headers, if you are getting the error E1696: 'cannot open source file, you might have to retarget the solution/project. Do the following:
Right-click the Solution in the Solution Explorer pane;
Retarget solution;
Follow the steps/press OK.
It worked for me when I couldn't find Standard Library headers, hopefully, it works for you as well.

Related

Visual Studio ignoring include directories

I am running Visual Studio Community 2017 and Windows 10. I have a project for which I have added an include-file directory under Project > Configuration Properties > VC++ Directories > Include Directories, but Visual Studio simply ignores the directory and will not find the include files. It finds the files if I hard-code the directory into the #include statement. I checked the .vcxproj file and the directory shows up there. I just updated/corrected Visual Studio to the most recent version and have since re-booted, but the problem remains. Help, please!
First, ensure that MFC is enabled in project properties > Configuration Properties > General
use of mfc must be set to static or dynamic library.
then to ensure that cl.exe is using all of the include directories that you specify, you need to go to project properties > c/c++ > general and change suppress startup banner to no /nologo.this will give you the full cl command for each source file, showing exactly what visual studio is attempting to do with the code and configuration options that you give to it.
Additional ideas for troubleshooting this kind of issue:
When using vs2015 you can try to add '#include <somenoneexistingfile.h>' to the top of any .c/.cpp and right-click on it to open a context menu and select "Open Document <somenoneexistingfile.h>. This will open a dialog showing you the actual paths being used for including. Note: This specific approach doesn't work with vs2019 or later.
Besides this, you can check if:
you edited the actual configuration (Debug/Release) which you are starting, i.e. maybe you only edited the additional-include-path for the debug-build but are trying to compile a release-build.
you edited the actual platform (x64 vs x86) which you are starting, i.e. maybe you only configured the additional-include-path for x86 but are trying to compile the x64 platform.

Boost Library cannot get to work in C++, Include directories not working

I recently tried to install boost libraries in C++ 14, and I added it's include paths like:
Solution Explorer > Project Name > Property Pages > VC++ Directories > "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 14.0\boost\boost"
I tried to compile after adding this:
#include <boost\variant.hpp>
In Error List window, I can see E1696 - cannot open source file "boost\variant.hpp" and I can't compile like before.
Then I tried with adding a backslash like "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 14.0\boost\boost\", still didn't work.
I also read this post and explicitly specified it's directory, but even didn't work.
Again, I read this post and did exactly same what is in given answer (as I already built project several times) , but still no success.
However, if I include a library like:
#include "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 14.0\boost\boost\variant.hpp"
Now compiler recognizes it, but now I can see more than 100 errors in Error List window, those errors are pointed to header files of boost libraries, not in my project file which has variant.hpp included.
All those errors are E1696 - cannot open source file "boost\<libraryname.hpp>" or E1696 - cannot open source file "boost\<subdirs>\<some other files included in libraryname.hpp>"
So, if I remove the line #include "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 14.0\boost\boost\variant.hpp" from my project's header file, all errors disappear suddenly and project compiles fine! no any single error now!
I want boost to work anyway, so I can use it in projects, but I can't manually edit all those header files and change <boost\... to original locations.
Please help me to get rid of this issue.
make sure you download and install the correct boost version. Installing it in the visual studio directories is possible, but not advised. I suggest you use one of the packages from here. Assuming you use visual studio 2017 and you are developing for 64bit, this could perhaps be the correct package for you.
make sure you do both: adding the include search path and the library search path to your visual studio.
The include search path should point to the boost-installation root directory (the one that contains the Jamroot file and a boost subdirectory). The library search path should point to the correct library subfolder within the boost installation. This is one of the subfolders that start with lib64-msvc-**.* (or lib32-msvc-* if you're developing for 32bit).
The default install path of the binary boost package above will install it into C:\local\boost_<boost version>. Make sure you use the paths from this installation directory and follow the instructions here.
Example:
Include search path: C:\local\boost_1_64_0
Library search path: C:\local\boost_1_64_0\lib64-msvc-14.1

error LNK1181: cannot open input file 'kernel32.lib'

I have a project on VS 2012. latest SDK is installed on the WIN 8 x64 computer, the project is targeting WIn32.
I have a clean build in Debug, but when I go to release I get the 1181 LNK error - cannot open input file kernel32.lib.
I have the file on the computer in several location, and in the VC directories there is $(WindowsSdkDir_71A)lib and $(WindowsSdkDir)\lib.
Using process monitor I've tried to rebuild and see where devenv.exe is looking for the file
** UPDATE:
In debug it looks in the right place.
in release it doesn't look for the sdk,
but I see this:
Y:\MyProjectFofler\$(LibraryPath)\kernel32.lib PATH NOT FOUND
and also several successful reads from the win8.0 sdk (which should be ok, but the result is the same, and I need it to read from the V7.1A SDK folder...)
What can it be and what might be the solution for this error ?
Thanks.
I ran into this using Visual Studio 2017. I was trying to get the Visual Studio project configurations to reference the external library .lib files I wanted. I managed to trigger this error when I removed any reference to the system libraries. I later figured out this can be corrected by including one of their macro values (though you can specify an absolute direct path, but that's probably not the best coding convention and prone to brittleness).
On the Visual Studio project, right-Clicking on the project item in the Solution explorer panel (not the Solution itself, which is the topmost item), then select Properties. From there do the following:
VC++ Directories --> Library Directories : $(ProjectDir)lib; $(LibraryPath)
Note the $(LibraryPath) value will include extra values such as inherited from parents, and from what I can tell this is a verbose option. My folder project contained a folder called 'lib' which is why I had the first value there before the semicolon.
There are other common options I have used to specify the Library Directories value:
$(VC_LibraryPath_x86)
$(WindowsSDK_LibraryPath_x86)
$(NETFXKitsDir)Lib\um\x86
If you look at the section VC++ Directories --> Library Directories, you can click on the entry line and select 'Edit', then you can watch live previews of what Macros values will be evaluated and resolved to. If you need additional or more specialized values, click on the Macros button to look for more options.
Link to image of Visual Studio 2017 Library Directories configuration

Visual Studio 2010, C++, Cannot open include file: 'base.h'

I'm trying to build a project in Visual Studio 2010. But I get the following error:
fatal error C1083: Cannot open include file: 'base.h': No such file or directory
This is a part of the code from (stdafx.h) generating the error:
// from Base project
include "base.h"
include "basic.h"
include "logfile.h"
It seems that the project uses "MFC Microsoft Office Fluent User Interface (the "Fluent UI")".
Do I have to install anything else than Visual Studio for using it?
Something that is missing, that generates the error?
I'm quite new to C++ and Visual Studio.
EDIT:
The problem is that I can't find the files: // from Base project #include "base.h" #include "basic.h" #include "logfile.h" And I don't really know what they are for. I guess some MFC stuff? And they are not anywhere on my disk.
I'm using Windows 7, I don't know on which OS the project is developed on. Can it be that it's developed on WinXP for instance? In that case, do I need to install the SDK for WinXP?
The Fluency UI is part of a MSVC++ feature pack, which you will have to install on top of Visual Studio (you can dowload it following the links in the given page).
In particular the error is due to the fact that the compiler cannot find the file base.h, which could be because it is part of the above mentioned feature pack (and thus it is currently missing) or (if the file does exist on your computer) because your include path (the path the compiler consults for finding included files) is set up incorrectly
Make sure base.h available in the working directory
Right click the base.h (From code editor) and click open document in the context menu (first menu item)
Search that file in your project root folder, then make sure that the path for the file is available in the additional include directory. Project property page --> Select C/C++, first entry on the right side grid.
The problem with this was missing files in the project. Thanks for the help.

LINK : fatal error LNK1104: cannot open file 'MSVCRTD.lib'

I'm a novice C++ developer. I encontered the error message indicates "LINK :fatal error LNK1104: cannot open file 'MSVCRTD.lib'" while I'm trying to debug every single project in Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Express. I searched on Stack overflow and Google for any possible resolution, but I couldn't find exact and precise answer. What I have understood is that the "msvcrtd.lib" file should be in "\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\VC\lib", but that file is not there in my case. What should I do?
For the poor souls out there who are struggling with this, after an hour of research I found a solution for my Visual Studio Enterprise 2017:
First, lets find where is your library file located:
With windows explorer, go to your directory where Visual Studio is installed, (default: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio) and do a search for msvcrtd.lib
I found mine to be in here:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2017\Enterprise\VC\Tools\MSVC\14.15.26726\lib\onecore\x86
Quick Fix (for one project only):
Right click on your project, click on properties, navigate to Linker, add that path to Additional Library Directories
Permanent Fix (for all projects)
Open a project
navigate to View > Property Manager (it could be under Other Windows)
Expand all folders and multi select all "Microsoft.cpp.Win32.user" & "Microsoft.cpp.64.user"
Right click and go to properties
Navigate to VC++ Directories
Add the path to default Library Directories
Go to your project properties, select Linker from left. Add this to "Additional Library Directories":
"(Your Visual Studio Path)\VC\lib"
For example:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\VC\lib
I came across this problem when compiling a sample app using VS2017
Hope this will help
There is a check box that says "Inherit from parent or project defaults" in some of the property dialogs in Project Properties. Make sure that check box is checked for your Include and Library directories property windows and of course for your Additional Dependencies window.
If you use VS2017, please read it. Or just ignore this answer...It may be invalid for other VS version.
Do not trust anyone who told you to add lib path.
Here's suggestions:
[BEST] You just need to install these via VS_installer (most of us just need x86/x64 version below)
VC++ 2017 version version_numbers Libs for Spectre [(x86 and x64) | (ARM) | (ARM64)]
Visual C++ ATL for [(x86/x64) | ARM | ARM64] with Spectre Mitigations
Visual C++ MFC for [x86/x64 | ARM | ARM64] with Spectre Mitigations
[NAIVE] or disable Spectre Option for every Solution
(Why We are so hard to global disable it)
[LAUGH] Or never use VS2017
This is VisualStudioTeam's fault and Microsoft is guilty.
Why?
You can't make a global configuration to disable /QSpectre, and IDK when and why VS2017 enable it in one day. So the best way is install Spectre? ahhha?
For VS 2019, Spectre Mitigation is enabled by default.
So the right way to fix the issue would be to install VC++ Libs for Spectre.
But, to quickly resolve the issue, you may disable Spectre Mitigation
Project Properties -> C/C++ -> Code Generation -> Spectre Mitigation -> Disabled
https://devblogs.microsoft.com/cppblog/spectre-mitigations-in-msvc/
I ran into this issue. The file existed on my machine, it was in the search path. I was stumped as the error result is really unhelpful. In my case I had turned on Spectre mitigation, but had not downloaded the runtime libs for Spectre. Once I did the download all was right with the world. I had to get this installed on my CI build servers also, as these libs are not installed with VS by default.
I have solved this problem, you need install all spectre lib.
Vistual Studio Installer->Modify->Component->Any spectre lib.
This solution can be adapted to any project.
For me this issue happens after installing the (Windows Driver Kit): https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/download-the-wdk
Uninstalling it fixes the problem. Just posting here as a related issue for people looking for solutions: After installing WDK VC++ is broken
Scenario:
Windows 10 with Visual Studio 2017 (FRESH installation).
'C' project (LINK : fatal error LNK1104: cannot open file 'MSVCRTD.lib').
Resolve:
Run 'Visual Studio Installer'.
Click button 'Modify'.
Select 'Desktop development with C++'.
From "Installation details"(usually on the right-sidebar) select:
4.1. VC++ 2015.3 v14.00(v140) toolset for desktop.
Version of 'toolset' in 4.1. is just for example.
Click button 'Modify', to apply changes.
Right-click 'SomeProject' -> 'Properties' ->
'Linker' ->
'General' ->
'Additional Library Directories': $(VCToolsInstallDir)\lib\x86
(!!! for x64 project: 'Additional Library Directories': $(VCToolsInstallDir)\lib\x64 !!!)
it is also worth checking that MSVCRTD.lib file is present in "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\VC\lib" for x64 and in C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\VC\lib for 32 bit. Sometimes VS might not be installed properly OR these files might get deleted accidentally.
I just had this error, in my case rebuilding the project while doing nothing else worked for me.
Here's my situation
Visual studio crashed and I had to re-install and my new installation path is different than the previous one. then I had this error
the error showed that the library is located at
D:\program\Microsoft Visual Studio\...
while it should be
D:\program files\Microsoft Visual Studio\...
as I said I just rebuilt it and it worked for me and if you have a multi-solution project you have to rebuild the whole-solution
I solved the problem by adding #using <mscorlib.dll> in the main file
This indicates that Visual Studio wasn't able to find the lib (Library) directory which contains msvcrtd.lib.
IMPORTANT: This lib directory also contains linkers required during the compilation process.
So, all you need to do is override the Library Directory location. You can do so with the help of Environment Variables.
I referred to this StackOverflow Post for help. As per the answer posted, the Environment Variable LIB refers to the path where the Linker Libraries are located. Why is this method better? Because this will apply to all the projects instead of just a particular project. Also, you don't need to download anything extra. It just works...
Follow the steps below to achieve this:
STEP-1: Search for "msvcrtd.lib" in the search bar.
STEP-2: Click "Open File Location" (available in context menu)
STEP-3: Copy the address of the directory from the address bar.
STEP-4: Search "Environment" in the taskbar and click on "Edit the system environment variables".
STEP-5: Click on "Environment Variables..." button.
STEP-6: Under "System variables" section, click on "New..." button. A dialog would pop up.
STEP-7: In the dialog box, enter the following:
Variable name: LIB
Variable value: [The directory you copied in "STEP-3"]
And press "OK"
Now, you are all done!
The above answer was not quite accurate for me. I have VS2010 Ultimate installed and the file in question is not in my Visual Studio 10.0\VC folder. Rather I found it in the Visual Studio 9.0\VC folder. So if that's the case for anyone, follow the lead to change the Linker but use the Visual Studio 9.0\VC folder instead. It worked for me.
For Visual Studio 2017
Go to your project properties, select Linker from left. Add this to "Additional Library Directories":
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\Shared\14.0\VC\lib
I got a slightly different error
LNK1104 cannot open file 'MSVCURTD.lib'
Note it is msvcUrtd (not msvcrtd), but the file is not found on my system.
Solved it by setting the following options:
Project Properties
General
Character Set: Not Set
Common Language Runtime Support: Common Language Runtime Support (/clr)
Hope that helps.
In VS2017 (Community/Enterprise/Ultimate/Professional):
Add the path(s) of the folder(s) which include your desired ".lib" file(s) in the following path in VS:
(Right Click)Project(in Solution Explorer)->Properties->Configuration Properties->Linker->General->Additional Library Directories
If there are more than one ".lib" file use ';' to separate them otherwise click on the edit box corresponds to "Additional Library Directories" then click on "" in drop down menu and add all desired ".lib" files in newly opened window one by one and in a easy to handle manner.
I ran into this using Visual Studio 2017. I tried the solutions suggested here with explicitly adding paths to where the 'MSVCRT.lib' file was located. But I felt this probably wasn't the correct approach because previously for the past several weeks this had not been a problem with my project.
After trial and error, I discovered that if I left an empty or blank value in the Linker --> Input section, it would give me the error about LNK1104: cannot open file 'MSVCRT.lib'. Eventually I figured out that I should leave this value there instead.
On the Visual Studio project, right-Clicking on the project item in the Solution explorer panel (not the Solution itself, which is the topmost item), then select Properties. From there do the following:
Linker --> Input : %(AdditionalDependencies)
This additional information might be helpful, if you got into the situation the same way I did. I have discovered that I should not put any non-system library paths in the Linker --> Input section. With my project I was trying to compile with external .lib files. Previously I had a value in this input section like: $(ProjectDir)lib; %(AdditionalDependencies) but this lead to other problems. I discovered the correct place (it seems so far) to put paths for referencing external .lib files in a C/C++ project in Visual Studio 2017 is here:
VC++ Directories --> Library Directories : $(ProjectDir)lib; $(LibraryPath)
Note the $(LibraryPath) value will include extra values such as inherited from parents. My folder project contained a folder called 'lib' which is why I had the first value there before the semicolon.
I have included the following path
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2017\Community\VC\Tools\MSVC\14.16.27023\lib\x86
and
C:\local\boost_1_64_0\lib64-msvc-14.1
To
project properties-> linker-> Additional Directories
Click here : Image shows linking of boost and MSVC2017