Solution to chkesp.c error on wxWidgets compilation with MSVC++ 6.0

If you are getting an error similar to the following while compiling a wxWidgets application in debug mode with Visual C++ 6.0, it turns out to be a compiler switch problem. I saw this issue being discussed in a lot of forums but none of their solutions really worked out for me. Well, I had to spend a lot of time to find the solution, I thought I'd share because this one ruined a lot of my time!

Error

Debug Error!

Program: D:\projects\prototypes\wxtest.exe
Module:
File: i386\chkesp.c
Line: 42

The value of ESP was not properly saved across a function call. This is usually a result of calling a function declared with one calling convention with a function pointer declared with a different calling convention.

(Press Retry to debug the application)

Abort | Retry | Ignore

Solution

Its the exception handling thing! Seems wxWidget compilation needs exception handling enabled. It can be enabled by the /GX switch.

If you dont know how to do it, follow these simple steps:

1. Project menu > Settings
2. Make sure you have selected the project name in the left tree of the dialog box (It by default is!)
3. Select C/C++ tab on the right
4. Select C++ Language in Category drop down box
5. Check the Enable exception handling checkbox.
6. Click OK

Alternatively, follow steps 1, 2, 3 and,

4. Insert /GX switch in the Project Options text box
5. Click OK

Try recompiling. Error should be gone!