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Windows Update frequently wants to add security patches for various .NET versions from 1.0 through 3.5. In the interest of optimization, I'd like to delete as many old versions of .NET as I can.
Thoughts on whether this is safe? And will it stop Windows Update from trying to add security patches for versions of software I'm no longer running? They probably don't hurt anything but I'd prefer to not even install things I don't need.
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Various .NET versions Safe to delete old ones?
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Posted 07 January 2011 - 02:00 PM
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#2
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Posted 07 January 2011 - 02:47 PM
It's safe to delete any version of MS.NET that is installed.
NET Framework is not required on every system. In fact, it is needed only on systems which run a program which calls for/utilizes some version of NET, based on the way that the program was developed.
In the history of using XP, I have only encountered two such programs myself...and, in each instance, the particular MS.NET version required is spelled out as a prerequisite for installing the program.
I currently have two desktops. System A has NET Framework 3.5, SP1 installed...because I have nLite installed on that system and it requires Version 2.0 (Version 3.5 works in lieu of 2.0 for me), while System B has no version of MS.NET installed and works fine without it.
If you want to remove all versions, then install only one or none...I suggest using the NET Framework Cleanup Tool .
If NET is not installed on the system...there are no security updates to be installed for it. Just as there are security updates for the main body of XP, there are also critical security updates for key components (such as IE, WMP, NET Framework, etc.).
Louis
NET Framework is not required on every system. In fact, it is needed only on systems which run a program which calls for/utilizes some version of NET, based on the way that the program was developed.
In the history of using XP, I have only encountered two such programs myself...and, in each instance, the particular MS.NET version required is spelled out as a prerequisite for installing the program.
I currently have two desktops. System A has NET Framework 3.5, SP1 installed...because I have nLite installed on that system and it requires Version 2.0 (Version 3.5 works in lieu of 2.0 for me), while System B has no version of MS.NET installed and works fine without it.
If you want to remove all versions, then install only one or none...I suggest using the NET Framework Cleanup Tool .
If NET is not installed on the system...there are no security updates to be installed for it. Just as there are security updates for the main body of XP, there are also critical security updates for key components (such as IE, WMP, NET Framework, etc.).
Louis
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Posted 10 January 2011 - 12:23 AM
Thanks Louis - I do have an app that requires .NET, I think it was 2.0 when I installed it and that has triggered all the patches for 1-current. Glad to know that I can safely uninstall all versions I don't need, and especially that Windows Update will stop bugging me about patching old, unneeded versions :-)
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