When I was reinstalling files recently I went to The Software Patch and downloaded pretty much everything they had on offer that was XP related. As a result I have now got 3 different versions of the .Net Framework on my computer, and I'm not sure that I need any of them.
The info I've been able to find would indicate that this is a program principally for writers of software. But some Windows programs need it too. The question is, which? Any way I can find out other than removing the .Net progs and seeing what isn't operational afterwards?

Generally the only time it updates is when some software requires it.

You would have been told by the installer that a newer version was needed.

And no you cannot remove previous versions. They build upon themselves.

You can remove latter versions if your software did not ask for it.

Basically this is not a voluntary download except to developers.

If they developed something with .NET Framework 3 then you need to load it. Otherwise not.


Going back to previous posts I would suggest you stop looking at Software Patch.

Windows Updates has all you need.

ok.