Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 S and Microsoft .Net Framework 4.5.1- both necessary?

I am using a Sony Vaio that is about 6-7 years old, Vista is Home Premium SP2.


In Control Panel-Programs, i notice that there are two versions of Microsoft .NET Framework installed ( Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 S and Microsoft .Net Framework 4.5.1).

My questions are- are they both necessary? Can I delete the earlier one? Or will deleting the earlier one affect the operation of my older software on this computer?

I am puzzled about what Microsoft .NET Framework is and what it does.

Help is appreciated.

Re: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 S and Microsoft .Net Framework 4.5.1- both necessary

There's an old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Although newer frameworks are supposed to be backward compatible, with something that complex it's almost impossible to know if you have a program that depends on a "quirk" of the older framework to run correctly.

It would be similar to deleting a bunch of Dlls without knowing what they are for. With the huge drives these days the space savings is relatively small and you run the risk of introducing problems.

If things are working I'd look elsewhere for files to delete.

Re: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 S and Microsoft .Net Framework 4.5.1- both necessary

Thanks for the quick and wise response.

Re: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 S and Microsoft .Net Framework 4.5.1- both necessary

hasiel said:

Thanks for the quick and wise response.

Click to expand...

My pleasure.