Use Visual Studio Net.2003 (don't even think about Net.2002)
I have experience with C++ compiler and I can say that It is much better than in VC++ 6.0 , It doesn't produce faster code but C++ compiler can compile very advance C++ constructions like: partial class and function templates so it makes lifes easier. VS 6.0 often for templates generates Compiler Internal Error and it is terrible to findout what construction is not fully supported by
compiler.
Also you can find out usefull for you that you can switch compilation for Intel p4 and AMD with SIMD od 3dNow ext.
Net.2003 has some problems with bigger solutions contains more than 20/30 projects, sometimes some of the projects just disappear with all settings. so make bakup of the solution files.
Regards
bearek