Crashing on Win32 (FAQ suggestion doesn't work)

[CrocHunter]

I'm trying to use Python embedded in a C++ application, using MSVC. Calling
PyRun_SimpleFile crashes. Calling PyRun_File crashes. Calling PyInt_Check
crashes. Calling just about anything crashes, deep in the Python DLL.

Yes, I called Py_Initialize. Yes, I tried changing my run-time libraries.
None of this does a thing. It just crashes. It is 100% useless.

All I am trying to do is run a simple Python script, with one variable in
it, to add that variable to my dictionary - then look up the variable and
get its value. This is just test code, and I can't even get the API to get
through that without crashing.

Does anyone know how to make this thing work under Windows, or is it a lost
cause?

Thanks.