"C1083" error message when you try to compile a Win32 application that includes static library files (814701)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Professional Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Enterprise Architect Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Enterprise Developer Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Academic Edition

SYMPTOMS

Assume that you have Microsoft Visual C++ .NET installed, either as a stand-alone installation, or as part of Microsoft Visual Studio .NET. When you try to compile a Microsoft Win32 application that includes static library files, you may receive the following error message:
Fatal error C1083: Cannot open include file: 'crtdbg.h': No such file or directory

CAUSE

This behavior can occur when your Visual C++ .NET installation does not include installation for the C-Runtime (CRT) static library. Visual Studio .NET installer does not install CRT header files.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, reinstall Visual C++ .NET. When you reinstall the application, install the corresponding header files. To do this, click to select the check boxes for both of the following static CRT library options:
  • Visual C++ Static Single-Threaded CRT Libraries

    -and-
  • Visual C++ Static Multi-Threaded CRT Libraries
Note By default, these check boxes are selected.

To install the header files, follow these steps:
  1. During Setup, a dialog box appears where you can customize the installation. In this dialog box, expand Language Tools, and then expand Visual C++ .NET.
  2. Under Visual C++ .NET, expand Visual C++ Run-Time Libraries.
  3. Click to select the following check boxes to install the header files in the VC7\Include folder:
    • Visual C++ Static Single-Threaded CRT Libraries
    • Visual C++ Static Multi-Threaded CRT Libraries
If you have already installed Visual C++ .NET, you can add these options by running Setup again, either directly from the original installation media or through the Add/Remove Programs tool in Control Panel.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce the Behavior

  1. During Setup, a dialog box appears where you can customize the installation. In this dialog box, expand Language Tools, and then expand Visual C++ .NET.
  2. Under Visual C++ .NET, expand Visual C++ Run-Time Libraries.
  3. Click to clear the following check boxes to prevent Setup from installing the header files in the VC7\Include folder:
    • Visual C++ Static Single-Threaded CRT Libraries
    • Visual C++ Static Multi-Threaded CRT Libraries
  4. Start Visual Studio .NET.
  5. Create a new Win32 Console Application.
  6. Append the following code to the source code:
    #include <crtdbg.h>
  7. Compile the solution.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:2/3/2006
Keywords:kbvs2005doesnotapply kbvs2005swept kberrmsg kbCRT kbsetup kbprb KB814701 kbAudDeveloper kbAudITPRO
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