FIX: Incremental Link Fails to Change the Subsystem Version

• The Microsoft Linker (LINK.EXE) included with: - Microsoft Visual C++ 32 bit edition, version 2.0

SYMPTOMS

After you perform a link using the Microsoft Linker, the subsystem version does not change.

The subsystem version info is used by the operating system when running the application. Applications with incorrect subsystem versions may not run correctly.

CAUSE

The linker fails to change the subsystem version when performing an incremental link.

RESOLUTION

Force the linker to perform a full link to force it to change the subsystem version number. To force a full link, link with the /incremental:no linker option, or delete the executable.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This bug was corrected in Visual C++ version 4.0.

MORE INFORMATION

This is a problem only if you want to change the subsystem version without changing the subsystem type. If you change the subsystem type, the linker automatically performs a full link.

You can view the subsystem version number by using DUMPBIN with the /HEADERS option. The subsystem version number specifies the minimum required version of the subsystem.