I rebuilt this systems OS to 64bit Windows 8.1. The old 32 bit system could not use the 16 Gig of RAM I now have in here. I have tried to reinstall my compiler, MS Visual C++ 6.0, but the install seems to fail, it gets to be just about done then simply stops. I've tried several times all with the same result.

I just searched for free compilers and there are several. I am simply canvassing for opinions and experience with such beasts.