There are three requirements to using the development framework suggested in this quick start:
You need an intel x86 (or compatible) computer running a 32 bit windows (NT,2000,XP,et al). I'm not sure about 9x/ME.
You need a copy of Visual C++ installed. I'm using version 6.0sp5 (pre-.NET). YMMV.
You need a copy of MASM. I use version 6.1.5 in my examples. It's what came with my "Assembly Language for Intel-Based Computers" text book. YMMV.
I assume the following locations for masm, visual studio, and your project respectively. You'll need to interpolate as necessary
c:\masm615
C:\VS6
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\helloworld (example "C:\Documents and Settings\jim\desktop\helloworld")