Building python C++ extension modules using MS VC++ 2005?

[Bo Peng]

Dear list,

I have been using mingw to build a python extension module. I had to 
jump through a number of hooks like the _ctype problem caused by the use 
of msvcr71.dll, but the module was mostly usable.

Things become complicated when I use more and more boost libraries and 
mingw can not work well with some of the modules. I am trying to switch 
to VC but I was suggested that I need to use the identical version of VC 
that is used to build python, which means VC7.1, 2003. However, 
microsoft seems to stop distributing this version of VC, and its website 
points me to VC expression 2005... 
 
(http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/visualc/aa336490.aspx)

Can I use the 2005 version to build python extension? What is the 
official or recommended way to build python extension module under windows?

Many thank in advance.
Bo