First some background, then my question. . . . The computer in question is a Dell XPS 435MT, bought less than a year ago and running on 64-bit Vista Home Premium, and with high-speed processor (2.5 mHz), extra RAM (6GB), and 750 GB of HD. That said, my question follows.
For some weeks now, I’ve been working with Dell Tech Support trying to resolve an issue with Dell DataSafe (Dell’s online file back up service), and after much effort and “trial and error,” they seem to have concluded that the ultimate culprit is some sort of conflict and/or registry problem with Microsoft Net Framework. A day or two ago, he fully removed Net Framework 3.5, SP1 for the 3rd or 4th time, only this time I think the plan is to leave it out because, in the words of the Dell technician “Vista doesn’t need Net Framework.” That being the case, we are now at my question.
Net Framework 3.5 SP1 remains out of my computer (though Windows Update wants to put it back, but I set that update to “hide”), and while Dell DataSafe remains problematic it is my impression is that it is going to be removed as well, then reinstalled but THIS time with Net Framework still uninstalled so hopefully that will resolve that issue. However, 2 or 3 other minor little “quirks” in the computer that I had never considered as connected to the same problem, HAVE ALL GONE AWAY since removal of Net Framework, so this would appear to substantiate the fact that it MAY have been the cause.
Now my question. . . .just WHAT does Net Framwork do, and what (if anything, other than eliminating some of my former software quirks) are the consequences of leaving it out? I’m NOT in any way a techie, so please answer that question if you can in SIMPLE LAYMAN’S TERMINOLOGY so I will know what you are talking about. I’ve got to believe Microsoft put it there for some reason, so what is it and what does it do? From a personal stand point, I see several reasons stated above for doing as Dell suggested and not put it back, and cannot think of one reason for reinstalling it. FWIW, my wife’s desktop is a virtual clone of mine, with nearly all of the same software as mine (including Net Framwork and Dell DataSafe) installed, so that fact only further confuses me.
I am now toying with buying Windows 7 and upgrading, with the idea that should totally replace Vista and put a whole new (and properly working?) operating system in and rendering all of these questions and problems moot. However, I want to wait long enough to see if Dell can resolve the issue as it is before considering upgrading. Given Microsoft’s well-earned reputation for problems and quirks in their software, I really would prefer watching Windows 7 awhile longer before upgrading. Right now, I am keeping that option open, and only want to know what the consequences are of not putting Net Framework back. I thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions you can offer.