FIX: Can't Create Directory >1 Deep for Intermediate Files

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Visual C++ 32-bit Edition, versions 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 4.0

SYMPTOMS

Visual C++ fails to create the specified directories when the "Intermediate Files" field contains a nonexistent path that is multiple levels deep. This field is located in the dialog box under the "Project"-"Project Settings" with the "General" tab selected. Under these conditions, Visual C++ issues the following error when attempting to build the project from within the Visual Workbench:

   <Full directory specification>

   This directory could not be created.

If the project is compiled externally, NMAKE.EXE generates this error:

   if not exist .\Debug/junk3/nul mkdir .\Debug/junk3
   The syntax of the command is incorrect.
   NMAKE : fatal error U1077: 'C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CMD.EXE'
      : return code '0x1'
   Stop.

CAUSE

Visual C++ fails to create a nonexistent path that is multiple levels deep.

RESOLUTION

Create the directory by using File Manager or from a command session.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This bug was corrected in Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit edition, version 4.1.

MORE INFORMATION

To reproduce this problem, type the following in the field described above, where SUBDIR1 does not exist.

  SUBDIR1\SUBDIR2,