A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board precursor includes the steps of providing a substrate. Then the surface of the substrate is catalyzed to form a catalytic layer by a catalyst. Subsequently, a conductive layer is formed and attached to the surface of the catalytic layer. Finally, a metal layer is electroplated on the conductive layer. A printed circuit board precursor includes a substrate having a surface. Specifically, the surface is catalytically treated to form a catalytic layer. The precursor also includes a conductive layer which is attached to and covers the catalytic layer and a metal layer which is disposed on the conductive layer.