I decided to write this because I wasted a lot of time trying to just be able to compile the example files.

Seems many people have problems at this stage, so these are my experiences:

1. Install VB 2010 Express - find the latest installer on Microsoft site - you can do it

2. Install the Windows 7.1 SDK - you need this to be able to compile x64 code in the free VS 2010 version

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb980924.aspx

3. DO NOT INSTALL VB2010 Express Service Pack 1.

This is very important - it will break the 64 bit compilers from 7.1 SDK. And no, the update to the SDK that microsoft released to deal with this very issue does not work, you'll be able to compile the aex files but for some reason AfterEffects doesn't load them - no errors no nothing.

When the ServicePack for VS 2010 shows up in windows update - right click it and clik "Hide this update". This way the SP1 won't install untill you manually tell it to

4. Set the system variable for AE plugin output directory - see the SDK pdf file for instructions.

5. Open Build All solution in VS.

You'll go through the wizard to convert it to a new version, don't worry.

6 Now, unfortunately, with each project from the examples, if you want to compile it, right click the project --> Properties

Under Configuration Properties --> General change the setting Platform Toolset from "v100" to "Windows7.1SDK"

That's it.

You will get errors during compilation, but it's just about the fact, that you're compiling a dll file, but the extension is aex so the compiler is a little suspicious.

When you open the BuildAll solution again you'll get some erros about VS not supporting directories in solutions, but that doesn't seem to interrupt anything, so whatever

If anyone has something to add, please do