You cannot distribute hotfix versions of the Visual C++ runtime by using Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package

You cannot distribute hotfix versions of the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime by using the Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package. Additionally, any hotfix version of the Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package does not install the .pdb files.

This issue occurs because the runtime fixes are typically distributed by using merge modules. This behavior is by design. However, initial distribution of the runtime is sometimes performed by using the Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package. This initial distribution does not support side-by-side deployments and does not handle complex versioning situations.

Itanium-based computers

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. But the hotfix is intended only to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Visual Studio 2005 service pack that contains this hotfix.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

To work around this issue, distribute updates of the Visual C++ runtime by using merge modules and an industry-standard installer.

This behavior is by design.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

For more information about Visual Studio, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more information about the Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package, visit the following Microsoft Web site: