Error message when you try to run a Visual C# project in the Visual Studio 2005 IDE: "The binding handle is invalid" (922276)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Express Edition
  • Microsoft Visual C# 2005, Express Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you try to run a Microsoft Visual C# project in the Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 IDE, you may receive the following error message:
Error while trying to run project: Unable to start debugging. The binding handle is invalid.
You can run the project if you press CTRL+F5. However, the project runs outside the IDE without the debugging capability.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the Terminal Services service is disabled. The Visual Studio 2005 debugger uses Terminal Services for process listing.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, enable the Terminal Services service, and then restart the computer. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type Services.msc, and then click OK.
  2. Right-click Terminal Services, and then click Properties.
  3. In the Terminal Services Properties (Local Computer) dialog box, click Automatic in the Startup type list, and then click OK.

    Note Alternatively, click Manual in the Startup type list. If you do this, you must start Terminal Services manually every time that you start the computer.
  4. Restart the computer.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

By default, the Terminal Services service is enabled in Microsoft Windows XP. This is because Terminal Services provides for the following:
  • Remote Desktop
  • Remote Assistance
  • Fast User Switching
  • Process listing
  • DCOM support
By default, Remote Desktop is disabled in Windows XP.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/11/2006
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB922276 kbAudDeveloper