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Q216098: Visual C++ IDE Slows When Files Are in Many Directories

Article: Q216098
Product(s): Microsoft C Compiler
Version(s): 5.0,6.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbide kbVC500 kbVC600 kbDSupport kbGrpDSTools
Last Modified: 11-JUN-2002

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition, versions 5.0, 6.0 
- Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition, versions 5.0, 6.0 
- Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Learning Edition, version 6.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

While working in Visual C++ on a project with source files in many directories,
the performance of the IDE may appear to be slow or non-responsive.

CAUSE
=====

This can happen if you have your source files spread across 63 or more
directories on FAT or FAT32 partitions. The method that Visual C++ uses to get
file change notifications scans source files in the 63rd and above directories
every 5 seconds.


RESOLUTION
==========

Some possible resolutions are:

- If your operating system is Windows NT or Windows 2000, place all of your
  source files on an NTFS partition.

NOTE: If the project is on an NTFS partition, Developer Studio scans a single
file so the amount of activity should be significantly less.

- Place your source files in less than 63 directories.

- Reduce the number of source files in the 63rd and above directories.


STATUS
======

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION
================


REFERENCES
==========


Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbide kbVC500 kbVC600 kbDSupport kbGrpDSTools 
Technology        : kbVCsearch kbAudDeveloper kbVC500 kbVC600 kbVC32bitSearch kbVC500Search
Version           : :5.0,6.0
Issue type        : kbprb

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