How to Download, Install and Use MicroSoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition

Downloading and Registering

To download MicroSoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition, go to the MicroSoft download site, and follow the directions there.

Although this is a free download, MicroSoft requires that you register your copy with MicroSoft within 30 days of installation. If you do not do so, the product ceases to function.

There is an obscure issue with registration. I, like most prudent folk, normally work using a user (non-administrator) account, and log onto the administrator account only when it is necessary to perform an administrator-level task. MicroSoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition requires that you be in administrator mode in order to install it. So I downloaded and installed MicroSoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition while in administrator mode. I did not immediately register. I did successfully switch to a user account, and used MicroSoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition from that account.

Eventually, of course, I had to register, and did so from the administrator account. When I switched to the user account, the user view did not recognize the registration! I could only use the product from the administrator account, which of course violates standard security practices.

Please report your experiences trying to register this product by posting something in the RECOVERY ROOM conference. Thanks.

Using MicroSoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition

You can find instructions in How to Set Up a Project when using Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition .