VBSourceTrace is a developer utility developed by Randem Systems specifically designed to simplify the debugging process for legacy Visual Basic 6.0 (VB6) projects.
Because native VB6 tools lack advanced modern diagnostics when an application crashes outside of the development environment, VBSourceTrace automatically injects specialized tracing and error-handling routines into your source code. This allows you to pinpoint the exact file, procedure, and line number where an application failure or unhandled exception occurs in a compiled production environment. Core Features & Benefits
Automated Line Numbering: Native VB6 requires manual line numbers to utilize the Erl (Error Line) function for catching specific failing rows of code. VBSourceTrace automates this injection across your entire project instantly.
Global Error Handling Injection: The utility can systematically insert structured On Error GoTo routines into every subroutine and function, eliminating the need to write repetitive boilerplates by hand.
Execution Stack Tracing: It creates a clear execution path (stack trace) showing exactly what sequence of procedures were called leading right up to the crash.
Clean Code Strip-Out: Once debugging and beta testing are finished, the tool can seamlessly reverse the modifications, stripping out the injected trace code to restore your original codebase files. Typical Workflow
Project Backup: Always create a secure backup copy of your source code before running any automated modification utility.
Analysis and Injection: Open your project files within VBSourceTrace. Select your desired tracking options (e.g., specific line numbering or universal error block insertion) and let the utility modify the code.
Compile and Distribute: Compile the modified code into your executable (.exe or .dll) file.
Log Collection: When an unexpected error occurs on a user’s machine, the newly injected routines generate a detailed text log or alert window specifying the file name, subroutine, and exact line number.
Revert: Use the software’s removal feature to clean up the source code once you have resolved the underlying issue.
If you are trying to resolve a specific error inside a legacy system, sharing the error code you are encountering or whether you are using VB6 or VB.NET will help me provide tailored instructions.
Solved: Getting a Stack Trace in VB6 code – Experts Exchange
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