MSDN Library May 2006 Edition integration

Question

Hello,

Is it possible to integrate the MSDN Library May 2006 Edition with Visual C++ Express Edition?  I had the MSDN Express Edition library installed, but uninstalled it and installed the full MSDN library and it isn't integrating with VC++ express.

Answer 1

Slaru89 wrote:

Is it possible to integrate the MSDN Library May 2006 Edition with Visual C++ Express Edition?

The short answer is "No."

The MSDN Library will install alongside of the Visual C++ Express edition, but it does not recognize the Express Edition and it cannot be accessed from within VC++ Express Edition.  It installs for separate operation.   Although the same Document Explorer is used for both the VC++ Express Edition Help and the MSDN Library editions that integrate with VS 2005, separate library paths and customizations are employed depending on whether you start with VC++ 2005 Express Edition Help or the Start | All Programs | Microsoft Developer Network | MSDN Library for Visual Studio 2005 selection.

So, you need to reinstall the MSDN Library portion of VC++ Express Edition for use as the internal help.

I recommend the MSDN Library if you have access to it.  (It is not redistributable.)  A full install requires 2GB on your hard drive.  There is useful information on the Platform SDK and how to compile its samples.

 - Dennis

Answer 2

orcmid,

Do you know if the method used to integrate the psdk help into express can also work with msdn may 2006?

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=141630&SiteID=1
ms-help://MS.VSExpressCC.v80/dv_vsexpcc/local/CollectionManagerExpress.htm

Answer 3

OShah wrote:

Do you know if the method used to integrate the psdk help into express can also work with msdn may 2006? http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=141630&SiteID=1 ms-help://MS.VSExpressCC.v80/dv_vsexpcc/local/CollectionManagerExpress.htm

The PSDK Help integration procedure did not work for the MSDN Subscription Library that I have (May 2006).

 - Dennis

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More Details:

WOW!  I didn't know about that procedure.  Thanks.

I have the PSDK, the MSDN Subscription Library for May 2006, and the VC++ 2005 Express Edition installed on my machine.  I have made the usual modifications to VC++ to search the PSDK for files.

When I performed the Collection Manager Express procedure, the presence of "Microsoft Platform SDK (R2)" was detected and I was able to select combination of its help material into that for VC++.  This made the Platform SDK Help files available from within VC++.

However, the MSDN Subscription Library collection was not recognized and did not merge. 

But this tip will be very important for those who install the PSDK and want to hook in the help collection that it contains.