Using Visual C++ 2008 Express with the Windows SDK

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The Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 includes a new SDK Configuration Tool that sets the Visual Studio include, library and tools directories for you. This tool allows you to switch quickly between the headers, libraries and tools in the installed Windows SDK(s) and those that are embedded in Visual Studio. If you install the Windows Server 2008 SDK before you install Visual Studio, you will need to use the SDK Configuration Tool to set the directories manually.

The SDK Configuration Tool has a GUI interface but it works only on the Visual Studio Retail (non-Express) SKUs. (This is scheduled be fixed in the next release.) You will use the SDK Configuration tool at the command line with VC++ Express.

1. Launch the Windows SDK Command Window (Start, All Programs, Microsoft Windows SDK v6.1, Command Window)

2. CD to Windows SDK install location (Example: C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Windows\v6.1\Setup>)

3. Type:  WindowsSdkVer.exe -version:v6.1

This command will set the Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 (v 6.1) as the “current” SDK for Visual Studio to use for headers, libraries and tools. Use ‘-version:v6.1’ for the Windows Server 2008 SDK content. Use ‘-version:v6.0A’ for the Visual Studio 2008 content.