fatal error LNK1201: error writing to program data

Question

I get this error: fatal error LNK1201: error writing to program database every time I edit my code and build again in visual studio 2003.

The issue is resolved if I restart VS2003 but I need to do this every time i build the project.

I have been googling and stackoverflowing ;) for a few hours and have tried the following proposed solution:

1. Change the Debug Information Format from Zi to Z7. (Property -> C/C++ -> General -> Debug Information Format)

   This did not work

2. Change Visual Studio Compatibility Mode to Windows XP SP3

   This did not work

3. Add the following in the Pre-Build Event : net stop "Machine Debug Manager" net start "Machine Debug Manager"

   This produced the following error: System Error 5 has occurred. Access is denied. This could be because I do not have Admin Access on this machine.

4. I have not tried this one because I am not allowed to download untrusted code at my work. Run FreePDB.cmd posted by Tony76 here

5. Changed the Symbol Path as seen here:

   This did not work

What I know:

This error could occur if the pdb file exceeds 1GB but mine is only 10MB.

My limitations:

1. I do not have Admin Access on this computer
2. Cannot run untrusted software (Work Computer)

Answer 1

Had similar problem on Windows 10. This answer provides a solution using a tool called FreePDB. Worked for VS2003.NET, but apparently this solution works for multiple versions of Visual Studio.

Answer 2

I use a program called LockHunter to unlock the PDB file. This works, though from time-to-time if stops successfully unlocking (or recognizing that the PDB file is locked) and I have to restart my PC