Compare two binary files

[Kevin Li]

I built the same source code, with the same compiler VC++ 6.0 on different machines (same OS: windows 2003). However they produced two "different" executables.

I disassembled two binaries using IDA and fed them into a tool which generated the call graph. I noticed,

1) The call graph are the same;

2) The tool matched all functions in one binary to another, which makes me believe they are actually the 'same' binary file;

3) Interestingly I found, the difference of binary diff lies in the fact that the same functions are put into different linear addresses. It looks that they are shifted by an offset.

For examples, in my two executables cmptree1.exe and cmptree3.exe

The subroutine sub_403550 (linear address 0x00403550) in cmptree1.exe matches sub_403540 in cmptree3.exe (linear address 0x00403540); and the followed subroutines match respectively.

Could some experts please tell me what could cause the difference in the binaries generated from the same source and same compiler?

[JosAH]

I built the same source code, with the same compiler VC++ 6.0 on different machines (same OS: windows 2003). However they produced two "different" executables.

Check all your compiler flags and linker flags; also check the size of your static
libraries (.lib files) that are linked in with your executables.

kind regards,

Jos

[weaknessforcats]

also check the size of your static
libraries (.lib files) that are linked in

The entire library is not part of the executable. The functions that are needed have been copied to the executable so you need the sizes of these functions.

Also, if the two machines are using the Windows SDK, do both machines have the same version?

Also, is VC++ 6.0 on both machines using the same service packs?

[Kevin Li]

Also, if the two machines are using the Windows SDK, do both machines have the same version?

Also, is VC++ 6.0 on both machines using the same service packs?

Thanks for the tips.

Do you know how to check the version of Windows SDK?

BTW, we use the same service packs, i.e., VC++ 6.0 + SP5

[weaknessforcats]

If you locate wht Windows SDK folder, there is a subfolder named with the version.

Mine shows C:\Program Files\Microsoft SDKs\Windows\v6.0A.