BUG: An "MSDEV.EXE - Application Error" error message occurs when you try to build using the command-line features of Msdev.exe (235680)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Learning Edition 6.0
This article was previously published under Q235680

SYMPTOMS

While performing a build using the command-line features of Msdev.exe, the following error appears:
DDE Server Window : MSDEV.EXE - Application Error : The instruction at "0x50084b23" referenced memory at "0x00000014". The memory could not be "read".
If Visual C++ is the default debugger, clicking Cancel from the error message will launch Visual C++ to debug the crash. It will then display a message stating that the crash took place in Devshl.dll.

CAUSE

The WM_SYSCOLORCHANGE Windows message was sent to a hidden Developer Studio window during the build. Developer Studio does not properly handle the WM_SYSCOLORCHANGE message when building from the command-line.

This problem can happen when using Symantec's PCAnywhere to build a project on a remote computer. When you quit PCAnywhere, the remote computer will receive the WM_SYSCOLORCHANGE message. Other applications that generate a WM_SYSCOLORCHANGE message would have the same problem.

RESOLUTION

Avoid changing the system's display settings while an Msdev.exe command-line build is in progress. This may be difficult if the source of the WM_SYSCOLORCHANGE message is unknown or if this message is unavoidable.

Consider exporting make files (.mak) for the project and building the project using the NMake utility. To export a make file, select Export Make File from the Project menu in Developer Studio. You can also have make files exported automatically whenever the project changes by doing the following:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
  2. On the Build tab, select the Export makefile when saving project file check box.
This guarantees that the make file is always synchronized with the project file.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a bug in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

This problem was corrected in Microsoft Visual C++ .NET.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to reproduce the behavior

The following steps are based on Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows NT, and Microsoft Windows 98:
  1. Use Msdev.exe command-line parameters to begin a long build from the command line.
  2. During the build, right-click on the desktop and select Properties.
  3. On the Appearance tab, click Save As to save the current color scheme.
  4. Select a new color scheme from the Scheme list.
  5. Click Apply.
If the build is still in process when the Apply button is clicked, the error message above will be displayed.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/2/2005
Keywords:kbtshoot kbBug kbDevStudio kbide kbNoUpdate KB235680 kbAudDeveloper
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