Check registry: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\VisualStudio\9.0\VC\Runtimes\x86 – Installed = 1.
The base VS2008 RTM (version 9.0.21022) lacks many fixes. You must apply SP1: microsoft visual c++ 2008 sp1
"Today we are announcing the release of Visual C++ 2008 SP1. This is not just a service pack of bug fixes. We have included the MFC Feature Pack, which brings the 'Office 2007 Ribbon' and modern docking windows to native C++ developers for free. Additionally, we have implemented C++ TR1, bringing smart pointers and lambda-like functionality to the compiler." Check registry: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\VisualStudio\9