Q121017: FIX: Can’t Create Directory >1 Deep for Intermediate Files

Article: Q121017
Product(s): Microsoft C Compiler
Version(s): 2.0,2.1,2.2,4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbide kbVCkbbuglist kbfixlist
Last Modified: 22-JUL-2001

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Visual C++, 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.

The above error applies to Visual C++, version 2.x only. The NMAKE error reported
below applies to Visual C++, version 2.x and version 4.0. It does not apply to
version 4.1.

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, " (without the quotation marks)

Additional query words: 2.00 2.10 2.20 4.00 S_VWB s_NMAKE

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbide kbVC kbbuglist kbfixlist
Technology        : kbVCsearch kbVC400 kbAudDeveloper kbVC220 kbVC200 kbVC210
Version           : :2.0,2.1,2.2,4.0
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

=============================================================================