Asp.net Visual Studio Debugging Asp Classic

Remote Debugging Server-Side Web Applications with Visual Studio 2008

Debugging server-side code can be a challenging task, particularly when you are working in an environment where installing Visual Studio directly on your test server is not advisable. Many developers have faced the dilemma of how to achieve effective debugging without disrupting their server’s runtime environment. Today, we will explore a clear solution for remote debugging using Visual Studio 2008, with a particular focus on Classic ASP and ISAPI Extensions.

Understanding the Challenges

The primary obstacles in remote debugging include:

  • Installation Restrictions: Installing Visual Studio on the test server could significantly alter the runtime environment, leading to unexpected behavior.
  • Environment Setup: Ensuring that both the server and workstation can communicate effectively for debugging to occur.
  • Code Compatibility: Developers often need to debug different types of code, such as ASP.NET and Classic ASP, and the techniques may differ.

Solution Steps for Remote Debugging

The following steps will guide you through setting up remote debugging with Visual Studio 2008:

Prerequisites

  • Same Domain: Ensure that both your server and workstation are on the same domain. This is essential for establishing a connection.
  • Matching Versions: Verify that the versions of Visual Studio on your workstation and the remote debugger on your server match.

Step 1: Prepare the Server

  1. Locate Remote Debugger: On your workstation, navigate to:

    C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\Remote Debugger\x86

    If you are running a 64-bit version, check the corresponding x64 directory.

  2. Copy Files: Copy the necessary remote debugging files to your server.

  3. Launch the Debugger: On the server, initiate the remote debugger (msvsmon.exe). You should see a message indicating a new server name, such as:

    Msvsmon started a new server named xxx@yyyy

    This name will be used in Visual Studio to create a connection.

  4. Set Authentication: In the debugger options, set the authentication mode to “Windows Authentication” for secure connection (Note: “No Authentication” does not work for managed code).

Step 2: Configure Visual Studio

  1. Open the Solution: Launch Visual Studio on your workstation and open the solution that you need to debug.

  2. Attach to Process: Navigate to:

    Debug > Attach to Process

  3. Enter Qualifier: In the “Qualifier” field, input the server name that was displayed when you started the debugger on the server.

  4. Select Code Type: Click on the Select button and choose the appropriate code type you want to debug (e.g., ASP.NET).

  5. Connect and Attach: Upon seeing a list of processes, find the relevant one to your application (typically w3wp.exe for ASP.NET). Click “Attach.”

Step 3: Debugging

  • Set Breakpoints: After successfully attaching, set your breakpoints in the code as needed.
  • Step Through Code: Begin stepping through the code line by line to observe the flow and identify any issues.

Additional Notes

  • VMWare Debugging Support: If your test server is running in VMWare, take advantage of its debugging features. This allows you to run code in a virtual machine while debugging directly from your workstation, streamlining the process and maintaining a consistent development environment.

Conclusion

Remote debugging with Visual Studio 2008 is certainly feasible, and by following the outlined steps, you can efficiently troubleshoot your server-side web applications. Whether you are working primarily with ASP.NET or Classic ASP and ISAPI Extensions, you can establish a robust debugging environment without compromising your server’s integrity.

Happy debugging!