BUG: Build Succeeds Despite Invalid Custom Build Command

ID: Q183418

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions, versions 5.0, 5.0sp1, 5.0sp2, 5.0sp3, 6.0

SYMPTOMS

The message "Bad command or file name" shows up in the Build pane. On Windows NT, the build fails with an error. However, on Windows 95 the project may still build with no errors indicated.

CAUSE

A custom build step references a non-existent executable. The command interpreters for Windows 95 and Windows NT, which spawn the custom build command, respond differently for non-existent executables.

RESOLUTION

The following are two possible resolutions:

Make the custom build command refer to a valid file.

Create an application that spawns other executables, and have it return an error code on failure to load.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

To reproduce the behavior, add a build command with an invalid command:

Create a Win32 Console Application.

On the Project menu, click Settings, and click the Custom Build Tab.

For Build Command(s), enter Bogus.exe.

For Output File(s), enter X.out.

Click OK to save the settings.

Build the project on Windows 95.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbcode kbVC600
Version : winnt:5.0,5.0sp1,5.0sp2,5.0sp3,6.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug