[python-win32] Why does pyexpat_d crash my system?

[Chris Phoenix]

I'm trying to build an app with embedded Python that can parse XML. 
Module xml loads module pyexpat, which is a DLL.  I'm trying to use MFC
5 in Debug mode.

I downloaded and installed Python 2.1.  Then I downloaded the debug
build and stashed all the files in a directory (...python21/libs).

pyexpat wouldn't load when I did a debug build.  It said a required DLL
was missing but didn't say which one.  It would load fine under release
build, and under IDLE.

This is the point where I posted a message to the list recently.  Then I
figured out the next step.

I used regedit to add ...python21/libs to the Python path.

Now when I try to load pyexpat under debug, I get a massive system
crash.  I get a dialog box about "program has caused an error in
kernel32.dll and will now close."  When you click the close box the
dialog pops back up.  I can't quit MFC or stop debugging.  Frequently I
can't even shut down the system and have to power-cycle it.  The last
time this happened the system didn't reboot correctly, so I'm not going
to try it again just to tell you what the dialog box said.  I think it
was kernel32.dll but I'm not sure of that; but it crashed somewhere in
the guts of the system, not in the Python stuff.

sys.version for release build or IDLE:
2.1 (#15, Apr 16 2001, 18:25:49) [MSC 32 bit (Intel)]
For debug build:
2.1 (#15, Apr 16 2001, 18:26:26) [MSC 32 bit (Intel)]

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Chris

--
Chris Phoenix cphoenix@best.com http://www.best.com/~cphoenix
Interests: nanotechnology, dyslexia, caving, filk, SF, patent
reform, stained glass, hang gliding