So what happens if you type cl at the prompt?

This is what happens on my system. I also have to type "vcvars32" or "vcvarsall x64" at the command line to "load" the C compiler into my console.

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop>cl
Microsoft (R) 32-bit C/C++ Optimizing Compiler Version 13.10.6030 for 
+80x86
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation 1984-2002. All rights reserved.

usage: cl [ option... ] filename... [ /link linkoption... ]

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop>
[download]