missing pdb file

Question

I'm debugging my app on a wince7 device.

After couple minutes I'm getting an error: "No symbols are loaded for any call stack frame. The source code cannot be displayed."

I noticed on the modules list that I have 1 dll that is missing pdb file. Its name is System.Drawing.dll . I noticed that the module added to the module list after some thread (that I'm not creating and I don't know who) is created.

I'm getting the error only after the thread is running.

Anyone know where can I find the needed pdb file? (I have already tried to repair the .net compact framework)

How can I find out where the thread is starting? (I can't find it in the code)

What should I do next?

Please help

Solution

Inside of visual studio

Tools -> Options -> Debugging -> Symbols -> Check the Microsoft symbol server to be the location to get the symbols from.

Also in the General tab in Debugging uncheck the "Enable Just my Code" which will allow to debug into other assemblies.

Also enable the .NET Framework source stepping checkbox.

But what i would recommend is to download all symbols from the symbol server and save them locally.

Then add the local directory path as the symbol path in the Symbols in Visual Studio.

To download symbols ->

In the symbols tab in Debugging, check the Microsoft Symbol Server and press OK. Visual Studio will automatically download symbols to the Cache Directory

  C:\Users\[UserName]\AppData\Local\Temp\SymbolCache

After the download is complete you can add another path and point to this directory and uncheck Microsoft Symbol Server or move your local path above the Symbol Server path.

Now you should be able to load the symbols and get Method names.

You may also want to have a look at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff558829(v=vs.85).aspx

Hope this helps.