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Q132838: Compiling in Microsoft Visual C++ Switches Screen to Text Mode

Article: Q132838
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:95
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 17-DEC-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows 95 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you build or compile a program in the IDE of Microsoft Visual C++, the
screen switches to text mode. After the program is built or compiled, the screen
switches back to graphics.

CAUSE
=====

An old _Default.pif file is located on the path that is marked as "full screen."
The reason this affects compiling is because Microsoft Visual C++ spawns hidden
console programs to compile. Because Microsoft Visual C++ version 2.x itself is
marked as a Windows version 3.x program, for compatibility, Windows 95 searches
for a Default.pif file when it runs console or MS-DOS programs.

RESOLUTION
==========

To work around this behavior, do one of the following:

- Remove the old _Default.pif file from the current path

- Set the _Default.pif file as windowed using PIFEDIT

- Delete the _Default.pif file.

Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWin95search kbZNotKeyword3
Version           : WINDOWS:95

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