precompiled code\free sorce code

i having a problem compiling free gaming engines like qake2
and unreal tornament and others.i been using msvc ++6
i am a beginner.i wish someone would explain exactly how
to load the files to compiler. should i start with making a new program or use .dsw file and batch build?i get way ahead of myself but i want this stuff i think i am missing very minor basic thing if someone could explain the exact way of loading these free gaming engines that would be great and iwould share this info with others

this has been covered in the game programming forum, a quick search will help you alot.