Question about .Net in Windows XP

JB · Mar 29, 2011, 14:14:32

I have been asked by a friend to reinstall a copy of Windows XP on an old laptop belonging to his daughter.

I've done most of it now but I'm just a bit puzzled by .Net.

From Windows Updates I installed .Net 3.5 which although not the latest seems to do most things. However, Windows Update is still offering me .Net V1.1.

I would have thought the V3.5 would replace V1.1, or is there something I am missing? Do I need both?

Thanks,

JB.

Glenn · Mar 29, 2011, 14:26:31

Under optional updates, you will most likely find .net 4 waiting to be installed too

Steve · Mar 29, 2011, 15:07:19

It's not straightforward http://blogs.msdn.com/b/astebner/archive/2009/04/20/9557946.aspx

Some applications will only work with the earlier versions.

JB · Mar 29, 2011, 15:17:30

@Glenn
Yes, .Net 4 is waiting as well, but I thought that as she will be using oldish programs on the old low powered laptop that I wouldn't need to go that far.

@Steve
OMG. The plot thickens. Before I take on a lifetime contract I think I will leave it with .Net 3.5 and hand it back.

Thanks guys.

Edit: I've put .Net 1.1 on for the older programs.

Rik · Mar 29, 2011, 16:33:42

Never volunteer, JB.

Glenn · Mar 29, 2011, 16:34:56

He didn't, but everyone else took a step back.

Rik · Mar 29, 2011, 16:38:31

JB · Mar 29, 2011, 17:27:20

Quote from: Glenn on Mar 29, 2011, 16:34:56
He didn't, but everyone else took a step back.

It's what you get for being such a nice guy

Rik · Mar 29, 2011, 17:30:57

It happens all the time, JB, but I try to make sure it's to others.

Technical Ben · Mar 29, 2011, 17:33:24

I'll reconfirm it for you. Yes, it does need all the old versions too. It should be automatic, and only load up the ones that the software you have and use needs. DirectX also does this.
This is because each version could have massive changes, but the old software has not been updated. So for example, your Solitaire game may need to use a line of code that has now been replaced in .Net 4. So it just keeps on using the old .Net 1 to be safe.

It does mean you end up with loads of versions, updates and hotfixes everywhere. The list gets about as long as the "my programs" list it's self!

[Oh, and I've got some horror stories about it. And how if you break a single part of .net an entire windows reinstall is needed.

]

JB · Mar 29, 2011, 21:27:24

Thanks for the full explanation Ben.

Laptop now duly completed and handed back. Phone now off the hook for 7 days. BFG

Rik · Mar 30, 2011, 09:10:12

You've done this before, haven't you, JB.