The Microsoft .net Framework contains a library of pre-coded functions and a virtual machine that manages code execution. Properly coded .net applications will perform a check if the Microsoft .net Framework is installed on the computer before they start the installation or execution. Improperly coded applications on the other hand might not which can lead to error messages, crashes, hangs or nothing at all.
The Microsoft .net Framework comes in various versions that build up on each other. The current versions that are mostly used by software developers are the Microsoft .net Framework 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5 with their respective Service Packs.
A user with .net Framework 3.5 installed will also have the versions 3.0 and 2.0 on his computer whereas someone with the Microsoft .net Framework 3.0 will only have version 2.0 installed as well.
The concept is not that hard to grasp but it is still confusing as to why so many different .net Framework versions are installed on the computer. That’s where the .net Version Detector (via Raymond) comes into play.
The portable software scans the computer system for installed .net Framework components and displays the results in a list. It will also list the root directory of the Microsoft .net Framework on the computer system and provide download links to versions that have not been installed yet.
This software makes the detection easier. Experienced users could also look in the System Control Panel and see which versions of the .net Framework are installed there which will give the same information except for the root directory and the download links.
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I tried to install a program (Virtual Hair Makeover) and it said it requires Microsoft .NET Framework. So, I downloaded the framework and it STILL didn’t work. Needless to say, I gave up installing that program. Then I did a little research and discovered that I already had a Microsoft .NET Framework installed on my computer, just a lower version (2.0) and the new one I downloaded was 4.0. Now, the question is: Will I have problems with my previous applications that used to run well on 2.0? Do I have both versions of framework now (because I didn’t uninstall the old one)? Can they both co-exist and work together?
Sanja, .net 4 Framework is downwards compatible, so no worries, everything will still be working as it was before.
Thank you :) Well, it was kinda slowing my computer down, so I uninstalled versions 4.0 and 3.5, but it says I still have 2.0 and 3.0. I hope everything will work fine.
My hat is off to the guy who created Microsoft .net Framework Cleanup Tool; it saved my PC’s butt when absolutely nothing else worked. Many hours of frustration After running the tool, I was finally able to do a fresh install of all the .net frameworks and their updates, except .net Framework 1.1 (?) which apparently I really don’t need.
l will certainly remember this when I am able to donate.
A heartfelt *THANK YOU*