Installer doesn't recognize MS Visual C++ Express Edition

[wemagor]

I just installed MS Visual C++ Express Edition so that I could try out Ruby In Steel (I've been using Eclipse for Ruby development).  When I install Ruby In Steel I get Installation failed: Visual Studio not installed.

I tried both the regular Ruby In Steel Personal Edition and the one for VS 2008 Beta, but both give the same error.

I'm using Windows XP and I haven't installed any Service Packs for Visual C#.

Here's the version info:

Microsoft Visual Studio 2005
Version 8.0.50727.42  (RTM.050727-4200)
Microsoft .NET Framework
Version 2.0.50727

Installed Edition: C# Express

Microsoft Visual C# 2005   76544-000-0000011-00126
Microsoft Visual C# 2005

[Huw Collingbourne]

I'm afraid it can't be installed into the Express Editions. This is not a limitation that we've imposed. It is something that is implemented by Microsoft. Ruby In Steel is a full 'package' (not an 'add-in') so has to integrate at the deepest level with Visual Studio. As a consequence, the Standard edition is the minimum requirement. This may change when MS launches the Visual Studio Shell in 2008. We'll have more to say on that later.

best wishes
Huw