Visual C++ 2008 compiler question - making contained exe file?

[mholt]

I started a project that started out sort of small. I originally developed it in Dev-Cpp (I'm on Windows, of course). Then it grew a bit larger, so I ported it to Visual Studio 2008. The project is completely unmanaged and it is just bare-bones C++ code. The only thing "system-specific" is the header files and libraries I'm using. They are Windows-specific.


So my question is, in Dev-Cpp, my projects compiled such that all that was required was the .exe file to run it, on XP or Vista. But in Visual C++, while the file size is smaller, the executable does not run, I'm guessing because it does not include proper code into the executable itself.

It's seriously a small console application - it shouldn't need an install. In fact, for this type of application, I can't use an install. How can I get Visual C++ to include all the necessary code compiled right into that .exe like Dev-Cpp's compiler does? Filesize is not a concern.

Thanks for any help.

[Xav]

I thought Visual C++ uses managed code? If so, it relies on the .NET Framework for running, and hence must be installed.

[mholt]

I thought Visual C++ uses managed code? If so, it relies on the .NET Framework for running, and hence must be installed.

No, I'm not using managed code... at least I'm pretty sure I disabled all sorts of VS-tied things...

(if this helps explain: code that I write natively in Dev-Cpp that is then ported to VC++ compiles fine in VC++ with the settings I'm using for this project - which is totally unmanaged, I think. Is it possible to disable all this? I'm not using CLR and the libraries are statically linked... (no dll) - does that sound right?)

[FritoBandito]

Wow i was about to post about the exact same problem. I havent been able to figure it out either but please post when you do.
Also the framework chosen has nothing to do with it, i thought i would try that shot in the dark.

I dont know how to change the management like you talked about though.

[FritoBandito]

well i found one solution ..
Download

switch to MSVC2005 express

[mholt]

well i found one solution ..
Download

switch to MSVC2005 express

Any particular reason I should use 2005 Express when I'm already using the 2008 Express version?

[Xav]

If you're using 2008 and it works fine, stick with it. There shouldn't be any real reason to downgrade. However, if you want to use extra components such as the XNA Game Library, then they may be specifically designed for 2005, and will not work in 2008.