You receive an "error LNK2001:unresolved external symbol "_WinMain@16" message when a Console Application project is built as an Application project in Visual C++ (131204)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 2.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 2.1
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 4.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 5.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 6.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 5.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 6.0
Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Learning Edition 6.0
Microsoft Visual C++ .NET (2003)
Microsoft Visual C++ .NET (2002)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition

This article was previously published under Q131204

SYMPTOMS

The linker generates the following error message when a Console Application project is built as an Application project:

LIBC.lib(wincrt0.obj):error LNK2001:unresolved external symbol "_WinMain@16"

CAUSE

A project of type Application is a Windows-based application, so it requires the WinMain function as the entry point.

RESOLUTION

Create a new project and select Console Application as the Project Type, or add a project to the existing Project.

To Create a new target for an existing project with Visual C++ 2.x, from the Project menu, choose Targets, and select New. Enter a Target Name, and choose Win32 Console Application as the type. To build the new target, move to the project dialog box, change the Target to your new Target name, and rebuild.

To add a project with Visual C++ 5.0 or 6.0, select Project, then Add to Project, and select New. Click on the Projects tab and select Win32 Console Application.

To create a new project in Visual C++ .NET, see the online help topic on "Creating Win32 Projects".

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

To reproduce the behavior, select Application as the Project Type, and use the following sample code.

Sample Code to Demonstrate Behavior

/* Compile options needed: None
*/ 

#include <iostream.h>

void main(void)
{
   cout << "Hello " ;
}

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	12/9/2005
Keywords:	kbtshoot kberrmsg kbide kbprb KB131204 kbAudDeveloper