Compile Error: Cannot open precompiled header.pch -- No such file or directory

Question

I have recently purchased the text "Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++" by Bjarne Stroustrup and have been following it through. I am currently stuck on an early project, where I need to output some strings of text. Using Visual Studio Community 2015 update 1, on a Windows 10 Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro laptop, I have attempted to compile the project but have ran into an error detailed:

"Cannot open precompiled header file: Debug\Finding the Upstairs Bathroom.pch': No such file or directory". The name of the project is aptly named "Finding the Upstairs Bathroom.cpp". Here is the code:

// I have the headers "stdafx.h" as well as this specific header lib 
// Bjarne Stroustrup created and which I had linked
// called "../../std_lib_facilities.h", which contains the standard C++ lib functions.

(#) define _SILENCE_STDEXT_HASH_DEPRECATION_WARNINGS 1

int main()`// Main function`

{  
    cout << "Take the key out of your right pants pocket\n"; // Outputs string of text

    cout << "Unlock the front door of the house\n";

    cout << "Open the front door and step inside\n";

    cout << "Lock the front door using the key\n";

    cout << "Move up the stairs, taking them two at a time\n";

    cout << "Walk to the second door on the left and face it directly\n";

    cout << "Using the door handle, turn it and push the door forward\n";

    cout << "Enter the bathroom while leaving the door open behind you\n";

    keep_window_open();

    return 0;
}

I would be grateful if someone is able to figure out how to fix my error.

Answer 1

There are 2 options to solve this:

• Rebuild the full project. This should (re)create the precompiled header (or select Build/Clean Solution first).

• Turn off precompiled headers. Project settings / C/C++ / Precompiled headers / Not Using Precompiled Headers.

Answer 2

Appart from the options presented by Danny_ds, you can:

• Create precompiled headers: Project settings / C/C++ / Precompiled Headers

  Precompiled Headers: Create (/Yc)

  

• Disable precompiled headers. Project settings / C/C++ / Precompiled Headers

  Precompiled Headers: Not Using Precompiled Headers

I had the problem when I first had to create the precompiled header.