Windows C/C++ Crypto API Examples and tips

I'm asking this question because I've spent the best part of a day trawling through msdn docs and other opaque sources for simple straightforward guidelines on how to get started with the Windows C/C++ Crypto API.

What I'd like to see is some example code, typical include paths, linking guidelines, etc, anything useful really. I know this is an imprecise question but I reckon imprecise answers are better none at all.

I'll get the ball rolling with my own meager findings...

Here's a bunch of examples I've found....

• Example C Program: Listing the Certificates in a Store
• Example C Program: Using CryptAcquireContext
• Example C Program: Enumerating CSP Providers and Provider Types
• Example C Code for Opening Certificate Stores
• Example C Program: Sending and Receiving a Signed and Encrypted Message
• Example C Program: Signing a Hash and Verifying the Hash Signature

MSDN has these examples scattered around the docs

This website provides a good overview of the concepts along with cross-platform examples