PRB: Error Compiling VB5 Project Using LPVOID in Type Library (193016)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual Basic Learning Edition for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Professional Edition for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Enterprise Edition for Windows 6.0
This article was previously published under Q193016

SYMPTOMS

While compiling a Visual Basic 5.0 project in Visual Basic 6.0, if the Visual Basic 5.0 project uses a type library that has a function that returns a LPVOID or a structure that contains a LPVOID field, the following error occurs:
Compile Error : Variable uses an Automation type not supported in Visual Basic

CAUSE

LPVOID is a Typedef to "void *." Visual Basic 6.0 is changed to explicitly prohibit the use of pointers in structures and as function return values.

RESOLUTION

Avoid using LPVOID as a field in a structure or as a return value in the type library. Instead, change them to type LONG respectively.

NOTE: Do not change the Typedef for LPVOID to LONG, because that would change the meaning of LPVOID in function parameters where it is valid and desirable.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/13/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB193016
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