Used Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.


Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) enhances the security of applications and components built with Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) in Visual Studio 2008. It addresses vulnerabilities that could allow malicious code execution through DLL planting, ensuring MFC applications and components run safely while maintaining compatibility with existing software and strengthening overall system stability and reliability on Windows systems.

The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) protects applications from potential exploits while ensuring full compatibility with existing Visual C++ software. Installing this package helps developers and users safeguard programs, reduce security risks, and maintain system stability efficiently.

Improved security and compatibility

The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) addresses a specific security issue identified in Microsoft Knowledge Base article KB2538243. By resolving this vulnerability, it ensures that MFC applications cannot be exploited through incomplete path specifications. This update supports a wide range of Windows operating systems, including both server and desktop editions, providing broad compatibility for development and production environments.

Installation is straightforward and flexible. Users can download the x86 version and choose to run the installer immediately or save it for later. A system restart may be required to complete the process, but once applied, the update enhances stability and reliability of Visual C++ 2008–dependent applications, helping reduce security risks and ensuring safer, more consistent performance across supported Windows systems.

A drawback of this update is its limited scope, as it primarily addresses security vulnerabilities without offering feature enhancements or performance improvements. Users who require additional functionality, advanced tools, or newer capabilities will need to install other updates or consider upgrading to more recent versions of Visual C++ to access broader features and ensure their applications remain fully optimized and up to date.

  • Pros

    • Enhances security for MFC applications
    • Supports 32-bit (x86) systems
    • Easy installation process
    • Maintains compatibility with existing software
  • Cons

    • Limited to security fixes only
    • No performance or feature improvements
    • Requires system restart

Bottom Line

Reliable security enhancement for users

Overall, the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) is an essential update for anyone using MFC applications built with Visual Studio 2008. It provides critical protection against potential security exploits while ensuring full compatibility with existing software. Although it does not add new features or performance enhancements, its focus on safeguarding applications makes it a necessary update for maintaining system integrity and reliable operation.

What’s new in version SP1

  • Addresses DLL planting vulnerability in MFC applications
  • Improves security for applications built with Visual Studio 2008 SP1


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Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
SP1
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
  • Windows Server
  • Windows 2003
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows 10
Additional Requirements
None
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
107,205
Downloads Last Week
180

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Developer’s Description

Install the runtime components of Visual C++ libraries.
The Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) installs runtime components of Visual C++ Libraries required to run applications developed with Visual C++ SP1 on a computer that does not have Visual C++ 2008 SP1 installed. This package installs runtime components of C Runtime (CRT), Standard C++, ATL, MFC, OpenMP and MSDIA libraries. For libraries that support side-by-side deployment model (CRT, SCL, ATL, MFC, OpenMP) they are installed into the native assembly cache, also called WinSxS folder, on versions of Windows operating system that support side-by-side assemblies.

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