How To Use RUNDLL32 to Debug Control Panel Applets (166168)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual C++ 2.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++ 2.1
  • Microsoft Visual C++ 2.2
  • Microsoft Visual C++ 4.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++ 4.1
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 4.2
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 5.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 4.2
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 5.0
This article was previously published under Q166168

SUMMARY

You can use the RUNDLL32 application that is provided with Windows NT and Windows 95 to debug Control Panel applets. Use the following debug settings (set by selecting Build/Settings in Visual C++ version 4.x, or by selecting Project/Settings in Visual C++ version 2.x and 5.0): 
Executable For Debug Session: C:\winnt\system32\rundll32.exe

- or - 

                              C:\windows\rundll32.exe
Working Directory:
Program Arguments: shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL [path and name of
                                               CPL file]
Remote Executable Path and File Name:
The two choices for "Executable For Debug Session" are for both Windows NT and Windows 95. You must type in the name "Control_RunDLL" exactly, and you must use the full path and name of the Control Panel applet (.CPL file). You do not have to provide information for "Working Directory" and "Remote Executable Path and File Name."

MORE INFORMATION

The technique described here is subject to change in future versions of Windows and is provided for debugging purposes only. If you want your application to launch control panel applications programmatically, you should use the Control.exe program.

REFERENCES

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

135068 How to Start a Control Panel Applet in Windows 95

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/15/2004
Keywords:kbBug kbDebug kbhowto kbide KB166168
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