I tried running a game from the last IndieRoyal Bundle and
an error popped up telling me I need to update the .NET Framework
to at least v2.0.50727. I don't really know what this is.

I checked and I have version 1.1 installed. I see online that
it's up to version 4. I have an older computer and I have no
idea which versions are compatible.

Can anyone tell me how to determine the best version to install
and where exactly to go to install it?


I'm running:

2.8 ghz P4
1 gb ram
Win XP w/SP3
IE 8



Thanks (and yes, I know i'm an idiot :)

Best to install the latest version. You could try using the Windows Update site and see what comes up for you and just handle things that way...

Install this: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=19 If it relies on 2.x it may not be compatible with .NET 3 or 4. Yes, sad but true, .NET apps are way more fragmented than Java.

You'd think the later versions would keep something of the previous ones while adding the improvements or devs could program games to allow them to use later versions of a particular framework, but what do I know? I am no programmer :D.

This is MS' fault, not the programmer's, at least, mostly not the latter party.

Yeah you really have to use the version the program was made for. It is quite OK to have each version installed on your system.

3.0 and 3.5 (when installing 3.5, v2.0 and v3.0 will also be installed (an example taken from XP since that one is the only one that comes without any .NET version) are built upon and depend on 2.0.

4.0 is fully independent and also smaller in size compared to the previous versions.

GOG use 3.5 (which means everything from 2.0 to 3.5) because 3.5 comes together with Windows 7 (3.0 comes with Vista and 3.5 is automatically provided to Vista users via Windows Update), so most users are covered (working out of the box).

Personal view... since 4.0 is also provided automatically for every Windows installation by Windows Update, I hope in the near future that the developers working on the Downloader, will switch to that version. Most users already have that one installed, assuming they use Windows Update and are not conspiracy theorists, and 4.0 is the default version integrated into Windows 8 (the previous ones are removed but can be installed if needed).

Might not, but it's a pretty good bet it will be fine. Most of the assemblies that .NET 3 and 3.5 use are actually .NET 2.0.

.NET 4.0 is a different beast, but won't cause issues if you have .NET 3.5 installed.

Rewriting applications for .NET 4.0 isn't that hard, assuming the application isn't huge.

Also, there are tools and extensions for VS that take care of the converting process. Of course, an inspection of the code is recommended afterwards, but still, much work won't be required from the developer.

That's why I blame MS 98% and the devs 2%: they could have upgraded the app, but didn't for whatever reason (it may have even been a pretty good reason). Imo, if you're on an outdated framework and aren't upgrading the code, open it up for the fans to take care of it for you.

So, if i'm understanding all this...

If I install v3.5 it'll install v2 & v3 as well?

After I install it can it be uninstalled if something goes
wrong or is it integrated into windows?

If I install v3.5 and it doesn't do the job can I then just
install v2 and have them both installed?


Also, can someone post me the link to v3.5? (I get lost almost
immediately on the microsoft download site, heh.)

I don't really understand what you're trying to say. :)

But anyways, if you were referring to .NET's source code, that one is available freely. If you were referring to applications based on .NET and their source code, well, that one is up to the developers to release.
Since you're using XP. Run Microsoft Update, or Windows Update (whatever you have installed, run MU if you have that one).

It will start IE8 and take you on Windows Update's website. Select Custom, and then on the left, after it loads, select Optional Components. You can find each .NET version there if you already don't have them installed. Just select 2.0 and fire away. When it is done, select 3.0 and fire away, and when that one is done, select 3.5 and fire awaaaaaaaay!

Or, you can download this and run it, it will download everything that is required: http://filehippo.com/download_dotnet_framework_3/

EDIT: Here's the official link from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=22

I did this but it only lists:

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update (KB951847) x86


Do I need to install them in order (install v2 then v3 then v3.5)?
Or will the above install everything I need?


I'm completely confused at this point. :)

It was a while since I last used XP, but I think it will install 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5.

Just use the last link I posted. Should give you everything in one package.

I'm no expert but that should take care of your problem...