There are links to resources for beginners to C++ on Microsoft's site aswell, where you can download DarkGDK from(not sure if they have the latest verion or not)..
They actually have an entire book in PDF form that you can download and read aswell, its one of those "C++ for Beginners" books, and not a bad read, although quite long
You should be able to find a link to it from somewhere in the Visual C++ section of the MS site.
Here are some more links for you :
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 express
http://www.microsoft.com/express/vc/
C++ Beginner's Guide by Herb Schildt:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/beginner/cc305129.aspx
Introduction to C++ 2008 Express Video :
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-au/beginner/bb964629.aspx
Good Luck -
If it ain't broke.... DONT FIX IT !!!