Visual Studio: Run C++ project Post-Build Event even if project is up-to-date

Question

In Visual Studio (2008) is it possible to force the Post-Build Event for a C++ project to run even if the project is up-to-date?

Specifically, I have a project which builds a COM in-process server DLL. The project has a post-build step which runs "regsvr32.exe $(TargetPath)". This runs fine on a "Rebuild", but runs on a "Build" only if changes have been made to the project's source.

If I do a "Build" without making any changes, Visual Studio simply reports that the project is up-to-date and does nothing - the Post-Build Event is not run. Is there any way that I can force the Event to run in this situation? This is necessary since although the DLL itself is up-to-date, the registration information may not be.

Answer 1

The registration information is determined largely by what's in the .rgs file. If that file changes the project will get built. I am not sure how else COM registration can change without making the project dirty. Do you mind providing more details about your particular situation?

Answer 2

You can use the Custom Build Step property page to set up a batch file to run. This runs if the File specified in the Outputs setting is not found, or is out-of-date. Simply specify some non-existent file there, and the custom build step will always run. It will run even if your project is up-to-date, since the Output file is never found.