How to troubleshoot visual studio debugging

 

When debugging check the followings 

• Debug can be done in release x64/ release_opt x64/debug x64 configuration does not matter as default configurations are used 

Method 1 - Attach to process 

• Check all dependencies are placed to exe working directory
• .lib, .dll, PDB
• Run the exe to be debug
• Then go to the project to be debugged
• Toolbar->debug-> attach to process-> select the exe
• Set debug points in the code run local windows debugger

Method 2 - Set working directory in properties 

 

• Make sure to put “\” at the end of the working directory path 

When debug points are not hit check below 

This section provides information to troubleshoot issues when the debugger isn’t displaying any warnings – the breakpoint is a solid red circle while actively debugging, yet the breakpoint isn’t being hit. 

• Disable optimization on debugging project and all relevant projects (DLLs, libs, exe) 

 

• Check your project properties under Linker > Debugging > Generate Program Database File and Generate Debug Info. Be sure these two are set properly. 

 

• Also, check if C/C++ > General > Debug Information Format is set to Program Database for Edit and Continue (/ZI) or something similar. 

 

• Check your symbol file exists, ensure you have the right version of your symbol in the right place. 

Reference 

• https://stackoverflow.com/questions/8341686/visual-studio-no-symbols-have-been-loaded-for-this-document/26174971