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Issue: 1>._powder.c(1): error C2018: unknown character '0xe'



This is what it should look like when you've opened up the zip file that you downloaded.
Solution, do NOT extract the files that have been marked.
If you have already done this which you probably have, delete the folder and re-extract the files.

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Issue: 1>powder.c(29): fatal error C1083: Cannot open include file: 'SDL.h': No such file or directory

As the name suggests it can not find the files. If you haven't set up your include paths do that. (There's a tutorial on the wiki)
If you're still having troubles make sure the file that can not be found is actually located inside of the folder that you added to your include path.

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Issue: My powdertoy is running really slowly like (X-Y fps) where proper powder toy runs like X - Y fps

You're probably compiling it in Debug mode.



The thing marked in red is the Compile and Start button.
The thing next to it (Marked in blue) Switches the compiler settings. Set it to "Release".

Note: Debug and Release are separate settings files this means you must migrate include paths from your Debug settings to your Release settings.

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If you don't understand a term in this post, please use google to define it.

Edits:
Added, debug & release notes.