How can I convert a Project from Visual C++ 6.0 to Visual Studio Express 2010?

Question

I have issues compiling Integrating Vision Toolkit which comes with a Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 workspace. Visual Studio Express 2010 fails to convert the workspace.

I tried VCUpgrade as described here without success.

Unable to convert project.
Please make sure this is a valid Visual C++ 6.0 project.

I tried to start over with a fresh project and add the files manually, the vcxproj contains the files like:

 <ItemGroup>
    <ClInclude Include="..\..\..\src\Helpers\BasicFileIO.h" />
    <ClInclude Include="..\..\..\src\Helpers\Configuration.h" />
    <ClInclude Include="..\..\..\src\Helpers\helpers.h" />
    ...
  </ItemGroup>
  <ItemGroup>
    <ClCompile Include="..\..\..\src\Helpers\BasicFileIO.cpp" />
    <ClCompile Include="..\..\..\src\Helpers\Configuration.cpp" />
    <ClCompile Include="..\..\..\src\Helpers\helpers.cpp" />
    ...

These files do not compile since the (already contained) header files cannot be resolved.

How should I setup the project to include cpp and h files from different directories?

I hope that there is a better way than copying the files into a flat directory. (I didn't use C++ for many years, so please explain it for a beginner)

Answer 1

You need VC++ 2008 Express (or retail version of VC++ 2010, like Professional edition) to convert from VC++ 6.0. Take a look at this thread: Visual C++ 2010 Express cannot open Visual C++ 6.0 projects

Answer 2

You need to set the include directory in the IDE. Right click your project and select Properties. Navigate to C/C++ -> General -> Additional Include Directories and add the path to your include folder (the folder that contains the Helpers folder with your helpers.h file in it). Something like this:

$(SolutionDir)your_project\include