VB 2005 Express

[bicostp]

For the past couple months I've had to do an Introduction to Programming course, and we're using VB 2003. Since Microsoft gives away VB 2005 Express Edition (to compete with Java, I think), I want to install it.

Unfortunately, it requires Service Pack 2. I <b>HATE</b> Service Pack 2. It's basically just a conglomerate of all the old security fixes and some in-your-face nagware that doesn't do excrement (Windows "Firewall").

Is there any way I can install it on my SP1a desktop and / or laptop? I know it can run on Windows 2000 SP4, but that would require dragging my old machine in the house, and the programs wouldn't run on the other machines <i>anyways</i>. (well, I could set it up on my sandbox machine, but unfortunately I can't find the video and audio drivers...)

I've also read that the runtime libraries for VB 2005 require Servcie Pack 2, so I guess the executables made with it won't work on my desktop?

Don't tell me "you dont have sp2? u ned Sp2 cuz microsoft sez sew! " either, because I'm not installing extraneous junk I don't need. (I've already got <i>real</i> firewall software installed.)

If there really isn't a way, I might be able to get a copy of VB.net from my instructor, but the new version would be nice to have.

[gannon]

hmm.. no clue how to get around it, but my xp vmdisc has sp2 and just has all the xp security crap turned off with the crappy pop-up notices of "your computer has the firewall off " disabled.
Oh, and google says: http://www.google.com/search?q=vb2005+without+sp2
Noticed the first result, but then saw it was VS, not VB

[bicostp]

Duh! *smacks head*

I just realized my newer laptop has MCE 2005 on it. This would give me a reason to use it!

Just one concern: would installing the development platform cause any slowdown? And will the programs created on it work on my desktop machine? (I hope so, even if I have to update the VB runtime libraries.)

Hey gimme a break I haven't used it all that much.

[vb_master]

VMWare a copy of it.

[Extreme_Jesus]

VB Express is good for a free one (we use it at college) its pretty similar to VB 6 but it misses out some rather annoying things if you're used to 6

But its just little pedantic things