Need to install .Net Framework 2.0 on Windows7 - 64 bit machine. What can I do?

Question

I have a program that requires me to use .net framework 2.0. I am running a 64 bit Windows 7 environment. When I try to install .Net Framework 2.0 I get an error telling me that it cannot be installed on a 64 bit machine. What can I do?

Answer 1

You just need to download the 64-bit version of the package which is available here:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=6523 (.NET 2.0 x64)

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=6041 (.NET 2.0 SP1 x64)

The .NET Framework comes in two flavours - 32-bit for 32-bit operating systems and 64-bit for 64-bit operating systems. Just download and install the right one for your OS.

Hope it helps.

Answer 2

.NET Framework 2.0 is an OS component in Windows 7; so any attempt to install it will fail.

Possible causes of this type of error are discussed in this article:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/astebner/archive/2012/03/28/10288684.aspx

The Registry keys which should be set to indicate that .NET Framework 2.0 is installed are listed here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318785

Answer 3

enable .net framework 3.5 which is included in Windows 7 - this will also add .net framework 2.0 SP1 and .net framework 3.0