win32com pythonwin extensions part of stdlib?

Hi I am using Python 2.6.5 on Windows.

I wanted to start using the win32com extensions which I understand are
"essentially part of the stdlib" ( quoted in
http://tgolden.sc.sabren.com/python/win32_how_do_i.html)
Since I didnt have the extensions as standard I went to sourceforge
to get the module.

However when I tried to do a distutils install of the python
extensions for windows downloaded from sourceforge , I found out I
need some proprietary components from Microsoft visual studio
7)."vcsvarsall.bat" needed.

My question is : Can I use the win32com extensions on a licensed
windows setup without having access to Visual Studio components.

I did see some places where they suggested compiling with mingw32 ,
but the compilation didnt work.

Any help in getting the module running would be greatly appreciated
.