PRB: Error C2858: Command-line Options Inconsistent

• The Microsoft C/C++ Compiler (CL.EXE) included with: - Microsoft Visual C++ 32-bit Edition, versions 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 5.0

SYMPTOMS

When building a file from an existing application that uses precompiled header files, the compiler produces the following error if the source drive letter has changed:

   error C2858: command-line option 'program database name
   (/FdN:\test.pdb)' inconsistent with precompiled header,
   which used '/FdM:\test.pdb'

CAUSE

The compiler stores and uses an absolute path to the precompiled header file, not a relative path.

RESOLUTION

Microsoft recommends that you rebuild an application when moving its source code or when connecting with a different drive letter.

MORE INFORMATION

The following sample code demonstrates the behavior. If the two files shown below are compiled from the M: drive and later TEST2.CPP is compiled from the N: drive, the error will occur.

Sample Code

   /* Compile options needed: /Zi /Fp"test.pch" /Yc
      TEST1.CPP
   */

   #include <iostream.h>

   void main()
   {
   }

   /* Compile options needed: /Zi /Fp"test.pch" /Yu"iostream.h"
      TEST2.CPP
   */

   #include <iostream.h>

   void sub()
   {
   }