VC++ 6 would report an error for that file when a source file was missing.
VSNet apparently creates a zero byte file and then continues compiling it.
If you have precompiled headers turned on, then the compilation does fail at
that file. However, if it doesn't, then compilation continues right on into
linking, and you get an unresolved external file.

Why was the behavior changed between 6 and 7.1? I can see absolutely no
benefit to creating the missing file. If the file is part of the project,
then it is obviously going to be needed to properly compile the project.

Hi Greg,

I think it is because the VC7.1 is using a new format project file(.vcproj)
and solution file(.sln) to manage the projects, and meantime the VS.NET IDE
is totally a new and different IDE from the VC6, it is not only for the VC
developers and also designed for the C# and VB developers.

So the behavior is somehow different from the VC6, however it would really
bring some inconvenience to those developer who used to the VC6 IDE, I will
pass your concern to the corresponding product team.


Thanks for your understanding!

Best regards,

Gary Chang
Microsoft Online Partner Support

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