[PeterT]

Technique 1:

i Tony,

As I understand, you get the following error when you try to build a
default Visual C++ .NET application.

"Null Device is Missing"

Based on my research and experience, please try the following steps on your
side: (I am using Windows XP Professional)

1. Go to the Start menu and select control Panel.
2. Select Administrative Tools.
3. Select Computer Management.
4. Select Device Manager.
5. Select the View Menu and the option for Show Hidden Devices
6. Expand the Non Plug and Play Drivers (Tree)
7. Scroll to the Null selection, right click, and select properties.
8. Make sure it is enabled and started.

Please try it and tell me the result.

and

Please perform the following step on your side after the step 7 on my
previous post.

Under Device Usage select "Use this device (enable)" and then Click OK.
I hope it helps.

Technique 2:

Please check the following registry key on your machine.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE->SYSTEM->CurrentControlSet->Services->Null

The values of "Start" and "Type" should be "1" (Hex). If you want it, I can
a screen shot for your reference.