Static Libraries in VS C++ 2005 Express

I have been able to compile some static libraries using CMake (cross platform make) and VS C++ 2005 Express. I'm new to the Windows environment and need someone to help me figure out how to use these lib files (in C:\Compiled\VTK\bin\release) in a VS C++ 2005 Express application. The .h files are in the source tree on C:\VTK\"various sub folders" and I have done an out of source build to C:\Compiled\VTK\bin\release where the .lib files reside. I'm sure it is something simple as setting up some path variables or something but when I set the Lib path to the C:\Compiled\VTK\bin\release it doesn't appear to work.

I have found a few threads on this forum but when I try to open them all I get is a message that says "an unknown error has been logged" so I appologize if this newbie question has been addressed in the past.

Thanks

Michael Tallhamer