Summary

Symptoms

When building a project, the following error may occur:

Error -6118: The Resource compiler failed to build the specified RES file required to link the DLL.

Cause

This error is known to occur in the following scenarios:

1. A syntax error exists in a text field of a custom dialog or a dialog that has been modified. For example, the text "This is a test.." has been known to cause this error as it contains two periods.

2. In some cases, additional languages within the project may not have been added correctly or may be missing necessary information.

3. The release being built has been corrupted. Releases can be corrupted in several ways, including building to a drive that does not contain sufficient disk space or if a virus has infected the release.

Resolution

1. Modify the syntax to make sure it is correct. The syntax can be modified by following these steps:
   1. Select the Dialogs view.
   2. Highlight the dialog in the center column.
   3. Right-click on the dialog and choose the Edit option.
   4. Select the specific text control on the dialog in the right panel.
   5. Modify the text within this control.
   6. Rebuild the project.

   For example, modifying the example text to read "This is a test." resolved the issue.

   It may also be helpful to remove the text field entirely and rebuild to see if the problem persists. If it no longer occurs, it is safe to assume the problem was within the text in that control and should be recreated using correct syntax.

2. To correct an issue with additional languages, follow these steps to resolve this behavior:
   1. Remove all additional languages from the project.
   2. Build a new release with a new release name.
   3. Add the additional languages back into the project in the General Information | Project Properties view.
      Note: For additional information on adding languages, see the InstallShield Help Library topic
   4. Rebuild the release to include these additional languages.

   This has been known to correctly add the required information for these additional languages and, therefore, resolve this error during the build process.

3. If the release has become corrupted, use the Release Wizard or Releases view to build a new release with a new release name. A new release name is critical as it builds a new release, rather than rebuilding over an existing release.