Getting Started with MASM

Updated 3/15/2008
If you've recently purchased Assembly Language for Intel-Based Computers, 5th edition, you
probably want to get the software set up so you can start working. This tutorial should make the
process easier. If you're in a hurry to get started, you only need to read Item 1.
1. Reuired setup for !"#bit applications
". $uilding 1%#bit applications &'hapters 1"#1%(
!. )ro*ect properties settings
+. 'reating a pro*ect from scratch
5. ,enerating a source listing file
%. -sing the .isual /tudio "005 debugger
1. 23/2 synta4 highlighting
5. 3ssembling, linking, and debugging with a batch file
6ound an error in this document7 )lease email me immediately. 84cept where noted, all instructions in
this document apply eually to .isual /tudio "005 and .isual '99 "005 84press.
Required Setup for 32-bit Applications
If you are using Visual Studio 2005 Professional or Team Suite these products already contain
the 2icrosoft 3ssembler 5.0. :ou can skip /teps 1 and " and go directly to /tep !.
/tep 1; Install .isual '99 "005 84press 8dition
:ou may have received a '<R=2 accompanying this book depending on which edition your
bookstore ordered. The '<R=2 contains Visual C!! 2005 "#press "dition. :ou will use it to
write, edit, compile, debug, and run your assembly language programs. If you did not receive a
'<R=2, download the software now from 2icrosoft.
Note: Microsoft has indicated an interest in bundling MASM ith !isual "## 2008 $%press& 'e hope
that ill happen soon(
>hen you run the .isual '99 setup program, make a note of the location where the '99 compiler is
installed. This information will be useful to you later.
6rom now on, we will leave the ?"005? out of the name !isual "## $%press.
/tep "; <ownload and Install the 2icrosoft 3ssembler
Visit $i%rosoft&s $AS$ '(0 do)nload site.
6ollow the download and installation instructions on the 2icrosoft page. If the link is broken, please