Configuring VC++ 2005 Express Edition to Build Windows Programs

This page explains how to configure the Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition IDE so you can call Windows functions. If you don't have a Visual C++ compiler on your Windows system, you can download the VC++ 2005 Express Edition for free, just go to http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualc/download/ and follow the instructions.

After installing the VC++ 2005 compiler, you'll need to install the “Platform Software Development Kit” (SDK) in order to call Windows functions. Below is a series of steps to follow, read them slowly and carefully:

  1. Make sure you're logged into Windows with sufficient privileges to install software (e.g., “administrator” access).

  2. If you haven't already done so, install the graphic IDE and VC++ 2005.

    1. You don't need the SQL component.

    2. Make note of which drive you install to (e.g., C:, D:,E:, etc.).

  3. Read instructions on installing and using VC++ with Platform SDK at http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/express/aa700755.aspx

  4. Install the Platform SDK from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=0BAF2B35-C656-4969-ACE8-E4C0C0716ADB&displaylang=en

    1. Download PSDK-x86.exe and save to convenient location on your hard drive.

    2. Run PSDK-x86.exe, this will install the Platform SDK for you:

      1. Agree to the license agreement (after, of course, you seek proper legal counsel).

      2. Select the “Custom” install.

      3. Go ahead and use the default target directory for the installation.

      4. In the “Custom Installation” window, the only options you'll really need are:

        1. Microsoft Windows Core SDK

        2. Debugging Tools for Windows

      5. Everything else you can mark "Will not be available".

      6. Click "Next" a couple of more times and the Platform SDK will be downloaded and installed (it's a LONG download!)

    3. Update the VC++ directories in the IDE.

      1. Start VC++ 2005 Express edition; the environment may be configured for first-time use.

      2. Bring up the "Options" dialog box:

        1. Select "Tools -> Options".

        2. In tree control on left, expand "Projects and Solutions".

        3. Select "VC++ Directories".

        4. The upper right corner has a dropdown listbox, it should be initially selected to "Executable files".

          1. Beneath the drop-down listbox is an icon of a folder ("New Line"); click on this folder to add a new line to the list of paths.

          2. A new line will appear in the list; click on the ellipsis button (...), which will bring up a "Select Directory" dialog box.

          3. Navigate to the target directory as described in Step 3 of the Platform SDK installation instructions web page.

          4. Repeat the process for "Include" and "Library" files as described on the Platform SDK web page.

    4. Update the corewin_express.vsprops file.

      1. This is just a text file, you can use any text editor for this step (e.g., Notepad).

      2. Use Windows to explore the hard drive, and navigate to the path as indicated in Step 4 of the Platform SDK web page.

      3. Locate the file "corewin_express.vsprops" and open it up with a text editor (you may wish to save a copy of the original, just in case).

      4. Add the additional libraries as indicated by the Platform SDK web page (you can actually copy and paste the list of files from the web page to the corewin_express.vsprops file).

That's all there is to it!



S. Edwards

09/29/2007