CCS 6.1.1 included updates to the default MSP432 linker and startup files (copied to a new project created in CCS), but unfortunately it seems the example projects in MSPWare didn’t get the same update.
The fix is simple. After importing an example project into CCS from MSPWare, edit msp432_startup_ccs.c and add “#pragma RETAIN(interruptVectors)” before building and debugging.
Now for the fun bit. If you tried building and debugging BEFORE editing the startup file, you likely loaded crap onto your MSP-EXP432P401R and now it’s bricked (except for “Error -1063” when you try connecting to it from CCS). If that’s the case, perform a factory reset of the MSP-EXP432P401R first to wipe it clean, then load a good build.
Summary of the problem, cause and workaround: https://e2e.ti.com/support/microcontrollers/msp430/f/166/p/460430/1663082#1663082
How to perform a factory reset: https://e2e.ti.com/support/microcontrollers/msp430/f/166/p/465581/1671110#1671110