You cannot see defined classes in Visual C++ ClassView (294704)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition
  • Microsoft Visual C++ .NET (2003)
  • Microsoft Visual C++ .NET (2002)
This article was previously published under Q294704
Note Microsoft Visual C++ .NET 2002 and Microsoft Visual C++ .NET 2003 support both the managed code model that is provided by the Microsoft .NET Framework and the unmanaged native Microsoft Windows code model. The information in this article applies only to unmanaged Visual C++ code. Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 supports both the managed code model that is provided by the Microsoft .NET Framework and the unmanaged native Microsoft Windows code model.
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

Classes defined in a header file are not being displayed in ClassView in Visual c++ version 6.0 and Class View in Visual C++ .NET and in Visual C++ 2005.

CAUSE

Any of the following could cause this problem:
  1. A header file extension may be different from the product convention (.h, for example).
  2. The Class View database file .ncb may have become corrupted.
  3. A second instance of Visual C++ may be running with the same project loaded.
  4. The Class View database file .ncb has the read-only attribute selected.
  5. The project may have been saved to a removable drive.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.


The following solutions correspond to the specific causes noted above:
  1. Add extensions (if you are using other extensions for header files like .hh) to the registry key:

    HKCU\Software\Microsoft\DevStudio\6.0\Text Editor\Tabs/Language Settings\C/C++

    For Visual C++ .NET, add the extension (including the .) to NCB Default C/C++ Extensions in:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\VisualStudio\7.0\Languages\Language Services\C/C++

  2. If the Class View database file .ncb is corrupt, close the workspace or solution, delete the .ncb file, and then reopen the workspace.
  3. Check to see if there is a second instance of Visual C++ running that has the same project loaded. If the second instance is visible, simply close it. However, the second instance may be hidden. If so, use Task Manager or PView to close that instance.
  4. Check whether the ClassView database file .ncb has the read-only attribute selected. Visual C++ must have write access. Remove the read-only attribute.

    This may include removing the file from Source Code Control, or checking it out if that is not possible.
  5. If the project is being saved to a removable drive, save the project to the local hard drive and see if the problem still occurs.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

181506 HOWTO: Make VC++ Recognize File Extensions as C/C++ Files

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:1/11/2006
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB294704 kbAudDeveloper
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.