Cannot step into .NET Framework code, just see the disassembly after downloading symbols from http://referencesource.microsoft.com/symbols

Question

Hi everybody,

I am trying to step into the .NET Framework code, using this explanation :

http://referencesource.microsoft.com/serversetup.aspx

But I am not able to step into the code, after downloading the symbols. When I hit the step into key, nothing happens, and when I load symbols from the server, I can only double clic on the call stack window and see the disassembly.

How can I step into the code ?

Thank you for your response.

Best regards.

---

Matteo, .NET Developer and System Engineer

Answer 1

Me too. I followed the instructions from the above web page and cannot get it. I am in Visual Studio 2010 and my .NET version is 4.0.30319.225. Anybody has any idea? Thanks a lot!

Answer 2

This link says:

http://referencesource.microsoft.com/troubleshooting.aspx

"You have a different version of the .NET Framework on your machine - this can happen, for example, if you're running a Windows Server 2008 Beta. To check this, go to the Modules Window in Visual Studio (CTRL+ALT+U) and ensure that the version number of your mscorlib.dll is 2.0.50727.1433, as below. If not, make sure you install the RTM Version of the .NET Framework 3.5. "

Well, if Microsoft are releasing updates all the time for the .NET Framework, but not releasing the .PDBs that have linked source, then Duh.

This workaround I've just added to the logged Microsoft Connect issue:

https://connect.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/feedback/details/697947/net-framework-4-reference-sources-fail-since-out-of-date#tabs

 

Uninstalling the .Net update for which there isn't a PDB with source.

I was just having this exact issue, except with the WPF 3.5. Trying to debug an low level issue through some textboxes, except I wasn't getting any .PDBs with source files.

My PresentationCore was version 3.0.6920.4016
A quick google on "3.0.6920.4016 KB" linked me to two articles.
Ended up uninstalling update "Update for Microsoft Windows(KB979899)".
A reboot later, PresentationCore was now version 3.0.6920.4000.

Now running Visual Studio, it has downloaded a .PDB with source files.

Whilst these security updates are essential, they certainly put us developers in a bind if they in turn remove our ability to debug necessary code.