Update fail - MS .net 4.5.1 - Error code 13 EC

Question

I checked my Windows updates a few days ago, and was informed that an important one is available. It's for the MS

".net framework", and has a verion number 4.5.1. It downloads OK, but the install fails with Error Code 13EC. Of

course, the error code means absolutely nothing, and if MS knows they're not telling.

I found the update on the MS download site and tried to install it. It promptly announced that there's not enough

spsce on my primary drive (C) to install it; about 3.9 GB are needed and I have about 1.5 GB available

Here's what I get in the way of explanation:

*****************************************************

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.1 for Windows 7 x64-based Systems (KB2858725)

Installation date: 12/?2/13 12:24 PM

Installation status: Failed

Error details: Code 13EC

Update type: Recommended

The Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.1 is a highly compatible, in-place update to the .NET Framework 4 and 4.5. By

using the .NET Framework 4.5.1 together with the C# or Visual Basic programming languages, you can write

Windows Store apps. The .NET Framework 4.5.1 delivers better performance, reliability, and security than previous

versions. After you install this update, you may have to restart your computer.

More information:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=245423

Help and Support:

http://support.microsoft.com

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What's going on here? What does the error code 13EC signify?  And would it help to uninstall the earlier version of

the  ".NET" framework? If so, how is this done? (No  ".NET"  shows up on the list of installed software.)

And finally: What on earth IS this ".NET framework"?

Answer 1

The Update requires at least 1.5GB free space on your C:\ drive.

Edit: according to you guys (-> later posts) the update needs even more free space. Installations seem to have failed with 2,6GB free, but succeeded with 2,9GB free space.

Thanks @ Kiwi Computer Guy and frustratedApe for pointing that out.

Regards

Rolki

Answer 2

Reposting...

KB2858725 is an optional, non-security update (yes, even though it's offered as an Important update). Feel free to hide it & move on with your life.

Yes, anyone reading the description can see that for most, it's a non-essential update. That being said, as you point out, it DOES show up as "Important" and having it hidden or anything else, is annoying at best. If it's there, most want to install it, otherwise, take it away and offer it as an option to those that really need it.  Telling folks to "move on with your life" really is not helpful.

Exactly -- PLUS, I cannot upgrade my Windows 7 computer until I get all of the Windows Update stuff done.  I've been getting "something happened" error messages trying to upgrade to Windows 10.  So this .net framework problem really seems to be significant.  I went through ALL of the steps on this thread and others, and spent an hour with a MS tech person on the phone just now and he could not help me.  There seems to be no way to get the .net 4.5 client profile update to work for many of us, and no combination of uninstalling, cleanbooting, fixit program running, or anything else is able to fix it.  Microsoft needs to figure this out quick!

Answer 3

Actually, I found that the update required more than 3GB of free space on the C: drive.  2.5GB was insufficient.

Answer 4

Why does the update does not tell the user to free disk space?

Answer 5

Feel free to begin your own, new thread to avoid confusion.

MS offers no-charge support for security updates. Unfortunately, KB2858725 is not a security update so you're on your own.