Are M.S .NET Framework programs needed?

[WyattErp]

Are M.S .NET Framework programs needed on XP Home SP3 system. I really do not
know what purpose they serve for me, I dont believe I use them. They just
showed in my add/remove list, including .ASP Net.

 

[Leonard Grey]

Only needed if you are using applications that require the .Net Framework

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Are M.S .NET Framework programs needed on XP Home SP3 system.

No. However if you don't have the appropriate .net framework file for
any programs you run that need them, the programs will fail.

I really do not
know what purpose they serve for me, I dont believe I use them. They just
showed in my add/remove list, including .ASP Net.

You may be able to remove them, but if I were in your shoes, I
wouldn't. If you did, you would save just a very small amount of disk
space, and even if you don't need some of the files now, you probably
will in the near future.

 

[WyattErp]

Not sure what apps that would be, to be honest. I am just a home user.I dont
run a web site or server. I am concerned that they were installed as part of
a hidden server or something, if that is possible.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Not sure what apps that would be, to be honest. I am just a home user.I dont
run a web site or server.

No, it has nothing to do with anything like running a web site or
server. Programs that use these files are often relatively light,
unsophisticated ones that many home users run.

As I said in another message, there is no good reason for getting rid
of these files, and there's a good chance that if you did, fairly soon
you'd have to reinstall them.

 

[WyattErp]

So leaving them in place is ok, good. I was concerned that something might be
wrong.
Thank You

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

So leaving them in place is ok, good.

Yes, it's fine. Leaving them in place won't hurt you, but removing
them might.

I was concerned that something might be
wrong.
Thank You

You're welcome. Glad to help.

 

[Leonard Grey]

Not to worry. If a program you are installing requires some part of the
..Net Framework, you'll be notified of same during installation. Usually
the program will offer to install .Net for you.

As more and more software requires .Net - ATI video drivers and some
Norton-brand software come to mind, among many others - you'll end up
with it sooner or later.

 

[TaurArian]

A little bit of info here:
Benefits of the Microsoft .NET Framework
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/829019

--

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
======================================
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Disclaimer: The information has been posted "as is" with no warranties or
guarantees and doesn't give any rights.
Computer Maintenance: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco

 

[Lil' Dave]

Are M.S .NET Framework programs needed on XP Home SP3 system. I really do
not
know what purpose they serve for me, I dont believe I use them. They just
showed in my add/remove list, including .ASP Net.

Only if the 3rd party application requires dotnet framework. As noted by
others, the 3rd party application will attempt to install dotnet framework
if not found prior to the actual installation of the 3rd party software.

Some nuances are that the version of dotnet framework is used and continues
to be used by that application. For instance, if the application uses
version 1.0, and you install version 2.0, that application will continue to
use version 1.0. The installation of version 2.0 does not "upgrade" version
1.0, it simply installs a different version and does not overwrite the 1.0
version.

A nuance I found using the old Powerquest DriveImage 7.0 software that uses
dotnet framework version 1.0 original is a problem encountered when
windowsupdate installs either of the 2 subsequent updates to version 1.0.
The image verification always fails after such an update. Even though I
could take that image file to another computer in the house and DI 7.0 would
verify that image as sound. After much wrangling, found that I had to
uninstall DI 7.0, THEN, reinstall the application (it does not overwrite the
revised dotnet version 1). From that point on, all is good.

 

[Twayne]

Are M.S .NET Framework programs needed on XP Home SP3 system. I

really do not know what purpose they serve for me, I dont believe I
use them. They just showed in my add/remove list, including .ASP Net.

Probably not needed. Here's an easy way to tell: Rename them by
sticking OLD on the end of the filename part. If they're needed,
whatever program needs one of them will then fail, usually by telling
you it's needed and where to go to get it.

Nothign "bad"about them, BTW; they are used for some programs, not
needed for most. IMO writing programs that need them are not the
preferred way to write software but not everyone feels that way.

Twayne