File 'Windows.props' not found

Question

I have install Windows 8.1 and after that I install Visual Studio Express 2013, which includes Update 2 RC.So when I run any application then it gives me the error

"File 'Windows.props' not found"

I don't know why it is happening. I search a lot about this error but can't find any solution.Please help me I have spend two days to find this solution.

Edit

Also there is not Emulator in the Device list.I think error is due to this once.I have download the 8.1 Emulator but cant find in the VS 2013 Emulator list.

Answer 1

Some basic checks you need to perform to get anywhere close to a resolution.

The Windows.props file is a build file that's used by MSBuild.exe when it builds a Windows Phone app. The normal install path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Phone Kits\8.1\References\CommonConfiguration\Neutral\Windows.props. Use Windows Explorer to check if the file is present.

Then there is a line in the main .targets file that includes it. It tries to locate the file in the $(TargetPlatformWinMDLocation) directory. You can see the value of this macro by increasing the build verbosity. Tools + Options, Projects and Solutions, Build and Run. Change the "MSBuild project build output verbosity" setting to Detailed. Use Build + Rebuild on your project. Scroll back the Output window and locate the lines that resemble this:

1>TargetPlatformSdkMetadataLocation = C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Phone Kits\8.1\References\CommonConfiguration\Neutral
1>TargetPlatformSdkPath = C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Phone Kits\8.1\
1>TargetPlatformSdkRootOverride = 
1>TargetPlatformVersion = 8.1
1>TargetPlatformWinMDLocation = C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Phone Kits\8.1\References\CommonConfiguration\Neutral

Tell us if you see anything different.

This path is read from the registry. Startup Regedit.exe and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Microsoft SDKs\WindowsPhone\v8.1\Install Path as well as HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Microsoft SDKs\WindowsPhoneApp\v8.1\Install Path.
Verify that you see a value listed in those keys with the name "Install Path" and that it contains the value "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SDKs\WindowsPhoneApp\v8.1\".

Answer 2

Extracts from msdn discussion:

check for the existence of a SYSTEM level environment variable called windowsSDKDir and try removing it.

For this Follow these steps:

Press Windows Key + X and select System.
In the System dialog click on "Advanced system settings" then click "Environment Variables" on the advanced tab.
Then look for the environment variable I mentioned
try removing it

If this not works for you ,you must re-install, Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) for Windows 8.1 this must solve your problem.