Mixed mode assembly not loading symbol for native C++ pdbs

Question

I am working with mixed mode assemblies in C++/CLI. All managed mode assembled pdb\'s get loaded when successfully in mixed mode assembly, but native dll\'s and pdb\'s are n

Answer 1

Mixed-mode debugging can be hit and miss, mostly miss. First check that you've actually have mixed-mode debugging enabled. From a C# project, it is Project + Properties, Debug, Enabled unmanaged code debugging check box. Next, mixed-mode debugging is not enabled for 64-bit processes. If you run on a 64-bit operating system, make sure you force the .exe to run in 32-bit mode. Project + Properties, Build tab, Platform Target = x86.

Next verify where the debugger looked for the .pdb files. From the Debug + Windows + Modules window, right-click the DLL and select "Symbol load information". Final gasp is to use __debugbreak() in the unmanaged code.

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UPDATE: Recent versions of VS (starting with VS2012) have a new managed debugging engine that is not compatible enough with the unmanaged debugging engine. Tools > Options > Debugging > General, tick "Use Managed Compatibility Mode". It enables the legacy debugging engine, the one last used in VS2010.