# VB6 P-Code Decompiler: Recover and Analyze Compiled VB5/6 Code

> Analyze VB5/6 P-Code with runtime-aware decompilation, disassembly, forms, references and AI-assisted code reconstruction. Inspect P-Code free in Lite.

Canonical HTML: <https://www.vb-decompiler.org/vb6-pcode-decompiler.htm>

VB5/6 P-Code

## VB6 P-Code Decompiler for Understandable Program Recovery

P-Code is not native x86. It is a compact instruction stream executed through the VB5/6 runtime, so useful recovery depends on recognizing VB operations, runtime calls, arguments, variables, and control flow.

[Inspect P-Code free](https://www.vb-decompiler.org/download.htm)[Read the technical P-Code guide](https://www.vb-decompiler.org/pcode_decompiling.htm)

### Disassembly and decompilation answer different questions

| Output | What it gives you | Available in Lite? |
| --- | --- | --- |
| P-Code disassembly | Instruction-level listing for manual inspection and format verification. | Yes |
| P-Code decompilation | Higher-level reconstruction of expressions, calls, parameters, assignments, and branches for human or AI-assisted analysis. | No, only in paid editions |
| Visual forms | Recovered form layout, controls, properties, and event context. | Visual portion included |

### What makes P-Code output useful

#### Runtime semantics

Recognizing VB string, Variant, object, array, and conversion operations is more useful than exposing anonymous opcode bytes.

#### Readable control flow

Conditions and branches should reveal the routine's decisions without requiring the analyst to simulate every instruction mentally.

#### Project context

Forms, events, procedures, strings, APIs, and cross-references turn an isolated routine into an understandable application.

#### AI-ready input

Structured decompiled operations give an AI model better material for naming, explanation, cleanup, and code reconstruction.

![VB Decompiler showing recovered VB5/6 P-Code](https://www.vb-decompiler.org/image/vb_decompiler_pcode_128.png)P-Code analysis combines recovered VB5/6 operations with the surrounding project structure.

**Recovery boundary:** VB Decompiler can recover up to 85% of code from a typical supported, non-obfuscated VB5/6 P-Code application. The output is a strong reconstruction for analysis and rebuilding, but it is not the original project and normally will not compile immediately. Lost names and types, incompatible fragments, and decompiler incompatibilities and issues must be investigated and corrected manually.

### Optional AI-assisted cleanup

The built-in [AI Helper](https://www.vb-decompiler.org/help/ai_code_enhancement.htm) can use a local offline model or the OpenAI API to explain and improve selected decompiled code with prepared prompts. This can accelerate cleanup and reconstruction, but the proposed code must still be verified against the P-Code, surrounding procedures, forms, and application behavior.

### Recommended workflow

1. Open the file in Lite to confirm that VB5/6 P-Code is present.

2. Recover the forms and identify the event procedure or module related to your task.

3. Use a licensed edition for high-level P-Code decompilation.

4. Follow strings, procedure references, and API calls; rename variables as their purpose becomes clear.

5. Use the built-in AI Helper or your chosen model to explain and improve selected output, then validate behavior against the binary.

### Related recovery paths

#### Full lost project

[Combine code, forms, and resources](https://www.vb-decompiler.org/recover-vb6-source-code.htm)

#### Native binary instead?

[Use the native x86 workflow](https://www.vb-decompiler.org/vb6-native-code-decompiler.htm)

#### Need exact licensing?

[Review Detailed Features](https://www.vb-decompiler.org/order.htm#detailed-features)

### Confirm P-Code before choosing an edition

The free Lite edition displays P-Code disassembly and recovered VB5/6 form visuals. High-level code decompilation is available in paid editions.

[Download Lite free](https://www.vb-decompiler.org/download.htm)