see the thread titled Visual Studio Pro 2008
Forget the frustration. You probably had to learn how to use a hammer, too. It goes with any new tool
You don't want the precompiled header. Further, you can shorten the process.
1. Click File>New>Project
2. Select General in the left pane, Empty Project in the right pane.
3. Name the project and click Finish.
4. Now open the project.
5. Click Project>Add Existing Item.
6. Browse to your .cpp file, select it, and click Add.
7. Double click it in the Explorer pane to open a copy.
8. Click Build Solution
Correct any errors and rebuild until it's all okay.
Run it.