The .NET Framework is evil!

[SpaceManiac]

I want to install Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition, but it needs to install Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5. Okay, right? Wrong. My older version, 2.0, refuses to uninstall! Gaaah! And I can't install the new thing at all.

The repair for 2005 Express won't work either. I'm getting the new version because some "Microsoft Visual Studio Common IDE Package" cannot load. Blarg, this is annoying. Anyone have possible solutions for forcing .NET Framework 2.0 away? (Already tried Add/Remove Programs)

[death]

plus, the .net framework is pointless anyway. it seems that the only reason they make you install it is to make the message go away so you can finish the installation

[BlastOButter42]

Actually, loads of programs use the .NET framework to increase efficiency and decrease programmer frustration. How are you installing the new version? It should replace the old one on its own, unless it directed you to uninstall 2.5 first. I had some problems a while ago (on both my computers) installing a new version of the .NET framework through Windows Update, so I might be able to help you. What's happening? Walk me through what you've done and what you're trying to do.

[drgamer]

Actually, the other versions are useful for older programs... in other words... keep all of them.

I know, it's silly, but my dad told me that you're supposed to keep old ones, just in case of other programs...

[Julian]

Newer versions for the most part work with older programs.

[BlastOButter42]

Yes, you shouldn't have to uninstall the old versions, but if there's some reason you do and it's not working, I can fix that.

[AtkinsSJ]

I had a problem with my graphics card drivers a while back, and it turned-out to be that I needed to install each .NET framework in number order first before installing the drivers.

[BlastOButter42]

If you're having a problem installing the .NET framework, here's a general way to fix it:

Go to Add/Remove Programs and remove all versions of the .NET framework that you can.
If you can't remove all of them, go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301 and download the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility. Run it and select all the .NET items from the list and remove them.

Go to this URL on the Microsoft website: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=262D25E3-F589-4842-8157-034D1E7CF3A3&displaylang=en
Download the file dotnetfx.exe, which is .NET 1.1, and install it.

Go to this URL on the Microsoft website: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=A8F5654F-088E-40B2-BBDB-A83353618B38&displaylang=en
Download the file NDP1.1sp1-KB867460-X86.exe, which is .NET 1.1 Service Pack 1, and install it.

Go to Windows Update and install the .NET security patch, KB928366, only. After it's done installing, go to Windows Update and install the rest.

Based partly on this Usenet post: http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/browse_thread/thread/cfd920fa3f078fdb/c6990a0d35ec3eba