You also have the option of downloading Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition from [http://www.microsoft.com/express/download/ the Microsoft Visual Studio Express Downloads page]. You will have to register in order to use it without a time limit but this does not involve any payment. To register, start up Visual C++, click 'Help' from the tool bar at the top and select 'Register Product'. Follow the instructions and you will recieve the registation key at the end.

If you have other MS Visual Studio products (eg. Visual Basic) installed you may be asked to uninstall them before you are able to install the Visual C++ Express Edition.