How to overcome Stack Size issue with Visual Studio (running C codes with big array)

Question

I am using Visual Studio 13 to compile c codes for the first time. The codes run perfectly O.K. with 2d arays of size 64*64 (there are a few arrays in my programme) but if I increase the array size to 128*128 it does not run (but compile correctly). Instead it gives a message ".exe has stopped working". My machine has 4GB ram and the same programme run with 128*128 array if I run the codes from linux.

Let me provide some more details: I have run the same code from linux using Intel C Compiler (non-commercial version) in the same machine. But due to some problem I am now constrained to work from a Windows environment. I searched and have installed two c- compilers (1) Visual Studio 13 and (2) Borland C. Both work well with a small array. But the moment I increase array size Visual Studio give the message ".exe has stopped working". I compile the programme using 'cl' from "Developers Command Prompt VS 13".

I feel the problem is with stack size.

In the link detailed explanation (as provided below) I have seen a command "ulimit" used in linux environment to increase the stack size. I remember using it a few years ago.

I feel we are close to the solution, but my problem with Windows (and VS 2013) persists as I failed to execute dumpbin /headers executable_file or editbin /STACK:size. Actually I feel I do not know how to execute them. I tried to execute them from "Developer Command Prompt VS 13" as well as using Run (windows start bottom->search (run)->Run (prop up)). I request you kindly to provide more details if possible.

I searched and found this website and think here the solution can be found.

Please help. I want to run using Visual Studio 13 from Windows.

Answer 1

It seems that the reason behind this is the stack overflow. The issue can be resolved by increasing the stack size.
In visual studio you can do this by using /STACK:reserve[,commit]. Read the MSDN article.

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For more detailed explanation:

Under Windows platforms, the stack size information is contained in the executable files. It can be set during compilation in Visual studio C++.
Alternatively, Microsoft provides a program editbin.exe which can change the executable files directly. Here are more details:

Windows (during compilation):

1. Select Project->Setting.
2. Select Link page.
3. Select Category to Output.
4. Type your preferred stack size in Reserve: field under Stack allocations. eg, 32768 in decimal or 0x20000 in hexadecimal.

Windows (to modify the executable file):

There are two programs included in Microsoft Visual Studio, dumpbin.exe and editbin.exe. Run dumpbin /headers executable_file, and you can see the size of stack reserve information in optional header values. Run editbin /STACK:size to change the default stack size.