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Q228455: PRB: Missing /c Compiler Option Causes LNK1561 Linker Error

Article: Q228455
Product(s): Microsoft C Compiler
Version(s): winnt:6.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbCompiler kbLinker kbVC600
Last Modified: 07-MAY-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

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

When compiling a multiple source file project that creates a pre-compiled header
file inside the Visual C++ Integrated Development Environment (IDE), the
following error can occur:

  Compiling...
  StdAfx.cpp
  LINK : fatal error LNK1561: entry point must be defined
  Error executing cl.exe.

NOTE: The linker error is generated during the compiler phase of the build.

CAUSE
=====

The /c compiler option is missing from the build settings.

RESOLUTION
==========

Add /c to the compiler options. To do this, you must edit the compiler options
in the Project Options box in the C/C++ tab under Project Settings.

NOTE: This box is only editable if the whole project is selected in the tree
control on the Project Settings.

STATUS
======

This behavior is by design.

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

By default, the Visual C/C++ compiler attempts to compile and link in a single
step. The /c (Compile without Linking) option is used to tell the compiler to
compile only. Since Visual C++ compiles and links in separate steps, then /c is
required for all Visual C++ builds.

To reproduce the error, create a default MFC project and remove the /c option
from the Project Settings by editing the compiler options in the Project Options
box in the C/C++ tab under Project Settings.

REFERENCES
==========

(c) Microsoft Corporation 1999, All Rights Reserved.
Contributions by Kelly Marie Ward, Microsoft Corporation


Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbCompiler kbLinker kbVC600 
Technology        : kbVCsearch kbAudDeveloper kbVC600 kbVC32bitSearch
Version           : winnt:6.0
Issue type        : kbprb

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