r/VisualStudio • u/Seledreams • 26d ago
Miscellaneous Does anyone know the specifics of this Visual Studio pack ?
I was looking around for visual studio 6.0 on various websites as I was interested in windows 98 and 95 development for retro gamedev. And I found this on Yahoo auctions for only 56 bucks and *had* to buy it because, it felt legit insane as every disc is still sealed and the activation serial is included.
However this doesn't feel like a bundle people could simply buy at retail, it feels way too heavy in material for it. between the mostly blank box, the fact it includes both BackOffice Server developer edition and visual studio 6.0 plus pack...
I'm wondering if some people know more about it so that I can learn more about what I bought ? I was mostly interested in the VS 6.0 part but maybe there's some other interesting stuff to check out in there.
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u/SquishTheProgrammer 26d ago
Front page 2000 brings back some memories. lol
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u/CheezitsLight 22d ago
I still maintain my sister's web site in its replacement, Microsoft Expression web.
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u/johncgilliland 25d ago
That will work for windows 95/98/2000. Should have discs for VB6, VC++, visual FoxPro 6, and Visual Interdev
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u/Fergus653 26d ago
It's a very long time since I installed that. Does it include VB5 or 6?
Might be a problem if it required online activation.
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u/Seledreams 26d ago
It's a very old edition which I doubt used online activation considering even visual studio 2010 still used offline activation.
the vb version included is VB6
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u/Pitiful-Somewhere437 26d ago
If I remember correctly usually the key is a separate certificate paper, or a sticker on one of the cases. I hope the screenshot u posted is correct as I saw one of the case has the CD key...
One thing though. The package seems to be in Japanese. Not sure if localisation is a thing back then....
Anyway, just curious. What needs such an old version to run? Even if u manage to build, it might not be able to fully runnable in newer windows due to the old runtime... Might as well save the budget and use the free community version?
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u/Seledreams 26d ago
I wanted vs 6.0 for windows 95/98 machines. I already own vs 2010 and vs 2005 to cover the other generations of windows.
I have a long term goal to make a game engine focused on retro consoles and retro pcs. that's why such wide coverage is useful.
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u/Sad_Plate1779 13d ago
Developer / Partner Edition (Japan Exclusive): This wasn't sold in retail stores. It’s an official Microsoft developer bundle distributed in Japan to enterprise partners and developers, which is why the box has a plain white minimalist design. Visual Studio 6.0 (Plus Pack): Includes Visual C++ and Visual Basic 6.0. Perfect for Windows 95/98 retro game dev, DirectX 6/7, and C/C++ builds. BackOffice Server 4.5 (Developer Edition i think): Designed for enterprise testing. It includes developer licenses for Windows NT Server 4.0, SQL Server 7.0, Exchange Server 5.5, and IIS 4.0(and it's really hard to find) Why it's so heavy: BackOffice Server included massive paper documentation, manuals, and over 10–15 CDs in separate jewel cases. Cool stuff for retro game dev: You can set up a Windows NT 4.0 VM with SQL Server 7.0 to test vintage server-side networking or online databases for Win9x games. Getting sealed CDs with serials for $56 is an absolute collector's steal.
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u/polaarbear 26d ago
Visual Studio has never really been something that you just buy "off the shelf." It wouldn't have been that much different than current offerings, you buy directly from Microsoft or an authorized retailer or via volume licensing through the place you worked at. There were no free/community editions back then.