updated for version 7.3.529
Problem:    Using a count before "v" and "V" does not work (Kikyous)
Solution:   Make the count select that many characters or lines. (Christian
            Brabandt)
diff --git a/src/normal.c b/src/normal.c
index e3a0255..3c66a37 100644
--- a/src/normal.c
+++ b/src/normal.c
@@ -7660,13 +7660,9 @@
     else		    /* start Visual mode */
     {
 	check_visual_highlight();
-	if (cap->count0)		    /* use previously selected part */
+	if (cap->count0 > 0 && resel_VIsual_mode != NUL)
 	{
-	    if (resel_VIsual_mode == NUL)   /* there is none */
-	    {
-		beep_flush();
-		return;
-	    }
+	    /* use previously selected part */
 	    VIsual = curwin->w_cursor;
 
 	    VIsual_active = TRUE;
@@ -7725,6 +7721,16 @@
 		/* start Select mode when 'selectmode' contains "cmd" */
 		may_start_select('c');
 	    n_start_visual_mode(cap->cmdchar);
+	    if (VIsual_mode != 'V' && *p_sel == 'e')
+		++cap->count1;  /* include one more char */
+	    if (cap->count0 > 0 && --cap->count1 > 0)
+	    {
+		/* With a count select that many characters or lines. */
+		if (VIsual_mode == 'v' || VIsual_mode == Ctrl_V)
+		    nv_right(cap);
+		else if (VIsual_mode == 'V')
+		    nv_down(cap);
+	    }
 	}
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/version.c b/src/version.c
index 7664b36..fa1313a 100644
--- a/src/version.c
+++ b/src/version.c
@@ -715,6 +715,8 @@
 static int included_patches[] =
 {   /* Add new patch number below this line */
 /**/
+    529,
+/**/
     528,
 /**/
     527,