XP SP3: “Best” way to install NET Framework Version 4

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My XP SP3 machine currently has all required updates and .Net versions 2-3.5 installed, and now I need to install NET v4 that is required by a new software program. After reading Susan Bradley’s latest patch watch with concerns about NET v4, I want to make sure I am going about this the correct way.

So far I have seen 2 alternative sources for installing NET 4, and MS Update site is showing an optional update called Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Client Profile for Windows XP x86 (KB982670).

Assuming the update /Client Profile is not what I want (right?), my basic question is then which of these two sites should I begin the download/install process for NET 4:

[h=4]Microsoft .NET Framework 4 web installer package at http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=17851[/h][h=4]

Or… the MS Net download page at http://www.microsoft.com/net/download.aspx[/h][h=4]

And the last question or concern is making sure I do not install the patches that Susan says to skip. I do have update set to notify only, but am wondering if MS would force the updates during or after the NET v4 installation process. Any and all thoughts will be greatly appreciated. TGH[/h]

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I’d install it from the network installer, the full package at the 2nd link. You should then be able to install .NET offline, thwarting any possible attempt by MSFT to foist unneeded updates on you

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Thanks for the quick reply, Satrow — just to clarify you think the Net download page at http://www.microsoft.com/net/download.aspx is the right one, right?

[h=3]Assuming that to be the case, the linked readme file states for Other System Requirements the Windows Installer 3.1 ,which I don’t see on my add/remove page – do I need to install that separately from —http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=25 ?[/h]

And in the “Known Issues / Installation section” it refers to a problem adding Version 1 after Version 4 is installed — since this machine is only 1-2 yrs old and I only have NET v2 and 3 installed now, am I right in assuming there will never be any reason to install v1 going forward and I can ignore this warning?

Once again thanks in advance for help with these basic questions .. TGH

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Yes Terry, the download link on the http://www.microsoft.com/net/download.aspx page reads like it’s the full installer, dotNetFx40-Full-setup.exe.

To check for the presence of the 3.1 installer in Add/Remove, ensure you have updates showing. If it’s not listed try downloading and installing it directly. I think it’s one of those updates that you can’t uninstall anyway, so it may not show anywhere.

No reason to install v.1 unless you intend on later installing .NET programs from probably 4 or more years ago

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Thanks Satrow – I finally got the “courage” to hit the download and install buttons, all went well as should be expected, and after the reboot there were these three updates for my XP Pro SP3 machine, with only the first one on Susan’s list:

— On Susan Brady’s list to skip/hide >> Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 x86 (KB2478663)

Not listed (or I missed seeing) in Susan’s WS article for XP:

—Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 x86 (KB2446708)

–Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 x86 (KB2416472)

For now I have hidden KB2478663 and have taken no action with the other two updates. Is there a way to find out if these two have been cleared by Susan or some other expert? Or maybe I should post this question as a separate thread here or in another forum? TGH

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Hi Terry, Susan may already have given a verdict on those KB’s previously, time to drill back through the recent archives to closer to the published dates on them?

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Once again Satrow, thanks for your help. I did find in the WS archive section for patch watch and was able to search for the KB#, and found most of what I needed or at least enough to make a decision. If you happen to have any expertise in dealing with multiple DLL files that are causing a problem I will be posting a question about that soon *s

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