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/FORCE (Force file output)

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Tells the linker to create an executable even if symbols are undefined or multiply defined.

Syntax

/FORCE[:MULTIPLE|:UNRESOLVED]

Remarks

The /FORCE linker option tells the linker to create an executable image (EXE file or DLL) even if a symbol is referenced but not defined or is defined more than once.

Important

The /FORCE option can create an executable that crashes or misbehaves at runtime if it references an undefined symbol or, when a multiply defined symbol has different definitions, if it invokes an unexpected definition in context.

The /FORCE option can take an optional argument:

  • Use /FORCE:MULTIPLE to create an output file whether or not LINK finds more than one definition for a symbol.

  • Use /FORCE:UNRESOLVED to create an output file whether or not LINK finds an undefined symbol. /FORCE:UNRESOLVED is ignored if the entry point symbol is unresolved.

/FORCE with no arguments implies both /FORCE:MULTIPLE and /FORCE:UNRESOLVED.

The linker won't link incrementally when the /FORCE option is specified.

If a module is compiled with /clr, the linker ignores the /FORCE option.

To set this linker option in the Visual Studio development environment

  1. Open the project's Property Pages dialog box. For more information, see Set compiler and build properties.

  2. Select the Configuration Properties > Linker > General property page.

  3. Modify the Force File Output property. Choose OK or Apply to save your changes.

To set this linker option programmatically

See also

MSVC linker reference
MSVC linker options