Exclusive mode in Visual Studio 2012 profiling is enabled by passing the /exclusive flag to VSPerfCmd or using the VSPerfClrEnv /exclusive command before launching a process.
Understanding where this file lives and how it behaves helps diagnose systemic deployment hangs: Specification Details Visual Studio 2012 Environment Deployment Tools Standard Directory Location
18;write_to_target_document1b;_BSTuafSEF-SMnesP9KvOkQY_100;57; 0;a6a;0;5e9; 0;11c5;0;2687; Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2012 Update 4
on GitHub for deep cleaning older versions (2013 and 2015 were the primary focus, but it often worked for 2012 remnants). Security Warning: If you have encountered a file named vsprecleanvs.exe
However, the "Exclusive Mode" referenced in Visual Studio 2012 documentation refers to a scenario where the profiler takes exclusive control over the target process, preventing other profilers or diagnostic tools from attaching simultaneously. This mode is critical for accurate low-level timing and avoiding interference.
Right-click the blocked processes and select . 2. Isolate the Private Registry and Local AppData
Some overly aggressive security suites flag the "cleaning" behavior (deleting files/registry keys) as suspicious and quarantine the file. How to Handle vsprecleanvs.exe Issues
: If the built-in pre-clean tool fails, you can use general cleanup methods such as the Visual Studio Installer to "Repair" or "Uninstall" existing instances. Related 2012 Components
By mastering these tools, you can resurrect and maintain legacy profiling pipelines that continue to deliver critical performance insights long after newer tools have moved on.
Key components include:
A common community-driven script (often hosted on GitHub) designed to deep-clean leftover directories and registry entries that the standard uninstaller missed. Troubleshooting and Official Alternatives
(Note: Applying parameters like /quiet or /silent depends on the package version; running it without parameters will default to a standard guided cleaning wizard). 4. Post-Cleanup System Validation
When to seek further help
When deploying legacy Microsoft ecosystem environments, you might encounter a deeply nested, background file known as vs_preclean_vs.exe . Found within the setup package architecture of (specifically inside the packages\VS_Clean\ directories), this executable serves an exclusive, highly specialized purpose.
Add your solution folders ( Debug/ , Release/ , .vs/ , ipch/ ) to antivirus exclusions.
Once the main environment successfully clears the pre-clean phase and finishes installing, make sure to immediately apply (the definitive service pack for this version) along with critical security patches like KB2781514 . This prevents the IDE from locking up when creating or managing C++ and JavaScript projects.