Debug a built binary file with VS and *.pdb file

  Visual Studio 05 can be used as a powerful debug tool, and you may debug a binary file (exe or dll) as long as you have its corresponding *.pdb file and source code. You do not even have to create a VS project or solution.

  Here is the steps:

1.     Run the debug target first.

2.     Attach VS2005 debugger to the process. (tools – Attach to process)

3.     When the target is selected, the VS load all the needed symbols automatically.

4.     In the modules window(debug – windows-- modules), right click the target and choose “load symbols”, and choose the corresponding *.pdb file.

5.     Open the source file, *.cpp or *.c, and add the break point.

6.     Then you may debug.