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This article describes the MSB3202 error code.
Message text
MSB3202: The project file 'value' was not found.
Description
The MSB3202 error occurs when MSBuild is unable to locate the specified project file. This error is generated when a build is invoked with an incorrect or missing project file path, or incorrect or missing dependent project file.
Real-world scenarios
Here are some real-world scenarios that can produce this error, especially in modern development and CI/CD environments:
Incorrect file path in command line or build script: When you invoke MSBuild, the specified project file path doesn't exist or is mistyped.
Project file renamed or deleted: A project file was renamed or removed from the repository, but the build logic or one of the build inputs isn't updated to reflect the change.
Repository checkout issues: During a CI/CD pipeline execution, the source code repository might not be fully checked out, or the necessary project file is excluded due to
.gitignorerules or shallow cloning.
Resolution
Verify the project file exists at the specified location. Avoid ambiguity by using an absolute path to the project file, such as
msbuild C:\Projects\MySolution\MyProject.csproj.Check for typos in the
ProjectReferenceitem in the project file. Confirm the path has no syntax issues like missing quotes for paths that include spaces.Ensure your version control system includes all necessary project files and the repository checkout is complete.
Applies to
All versions of MSBuild