The program can't start because libgcc_s_dw2-1.dll is missing

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4702732/the-program-cant-start-because-libgcc-s-dw2-1-dll-is-missing

Question：

I have created a simple program in C++ with Code::Block.

If I run it from Code::Block, it works correctly; but if I run it by doubleclicking on the executable file, a window pops up with this message:

    The program can't start because libgcc_s_dw2-1.dll is missing from your computer.
    Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.

So, what is the problem? What do I have to do to fix it?

Answer：

I believe this is a MinGW/gcc compiler issue, rather than a Microsoft Visual Studio setup.

The libgcc_s_dw2-1.dll should be in the compiler's bin directory. You can add this directory to your PATH environment variable for runtime linking, or you can avoid the problem by adding "-static-libgcc -static-libstdc++" to your compiler flags.

If you plan to distribute the executable, the latter probably makes the most sense. If you only plan to run it on your own machine, the changing the PATH environment variable is an attractive option (keeps down the size of the executable).

Updated:
Based on feedback from Greg Treleaven (see comments below), I'm adding links to:

[Screenshot of Code::Blocks "Project build options"] http://www.codeblocks.org/docs/main_codeblocks_en3.html#x3-1060003.11
[GNU gcc link options] http://gcc.gnu.org/onlinedocs/gcc/Link-Options.html#Link-Options

The latter discussion includes -static-libgcc and -static-libstdc++ linker options.