Symbol Files

A symbol file contains the same debugging information that an executable file would contain. However, the information is stored in a debug (.dbg) file or a program database (.pdb), rather than the executable file. Therefore, you can install only the symbol files you will need during debugging. This reduces the file size of the executable, saving load time and disk storage.

Debuggers can determine whether an executable file or DLL contains debugging information by searching for the IMAGE_FILE_DEBUG_STRIPPED characteristic. If this characteristic is present, the debugging information exists in a symbol file.

To create a .dbg file, build your executable file with debugging information. If you are using Microsoft development tools, the compiler option is /Zi and the linker option is /PDB:NONE. Next, use the SplitSymbols function or the Rebase tool. The resulting .dbg file uses the PE format.

To create a .pdb file, build your executable file with debugging information. If you are using Microsoft development tools, the compiler option is /Zi and the linker option is /PDB:NONE.

The operating system dynamic-link libraries (DLL) have associated symbol (.dbg) files. These files are not installed during installation. To install the system symbol files, create a directory on your hard disk, and copy the files from your system installation compact disc (CD). The symbol files are located in the SUPPORT\DEBUG\I386\SYMBOLS directory tree.