PRB: Fatal Error U1073 Building 16-bit OLE Custom Controls

The information in this article applies to:

• The development environment, included with: Microsoft Visual C++ for Windows, versions 1.51 and 1.52

SYMPTOMS

When attempting to build a 16-bit OLE Custom Control, by using either the internal or external makefile provided by the Control Wizard, the following error message is generated:

   ...fatal error U1073: don't know how to make '.\tlb16\<filename>.tlb

RESOLUTION

The type library must be built with the MKTYPLIB.EXE utility before attempting to build the project. To build the type library, for your control:

1. Load the desired control's project into the development environment.

A message box should appear when the .TLB is successfully generated or if an error has occurred. If an error has occurred, make sure the project's .ODL file is in the project directory. An error can also be caused by improper syntax if you have edited the .ODL file directly.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Neither the development environment make engine nor the NMAKE utility have an inference rule for building type libraries (.TLB files). A .TLB is included in the project's dependency list. The U1073 error is generated because of an attempt to build the project before the type library was created. To successfully build the project, build the project's type library first.