Windows 7: Can't Turn On .NET Framework?

So we all know that in Windows 7, the .NET Framework is already included with the system. With my system, the .NET Framework is currently turned off. Frankly I don't like .NET and I find that its only used during installation of programs; once the program is installed, I usually get rid of .NET and call it a day. I've been doing this for a long time, and I've been running Windows 7 since August without any issues.



Now I need to turn .NET back on so that I can install a program... but I can't. When I try to turn on the .NET Framework in the Programs and Features menu, I get the following error:

An error has occurred. Not all of the features were successfully changed.

Also be advised that I have done a TON of services.msc editing over the course of the months. The System File Checker also found no errors.

You've probably disabled some needed service, as I'm sure you're aware; disabling services in Windows 7 causes more problems that it sorts, unlike back in the old XP days.

I'm sure you're also aware that it's going to take a bit of trial and error to sort it out.

Do you see any service that looks like this in services.msc?

Windows 7 Services Information - Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN v2.0.50727


If so, what's it set at?

I'm still having this issue...

Both NGEN services are set to "Automatic (Delayed Start)"

Does anyone know what services I need to reenable to install .NET?

First thing I would look at is Windows Installer service. Make sure it's not set to Disabled. If it's only set to Manual and it's not running, you could try starting it manually. There should be a highlighted link on the upper left of the Services Applet when you have this service selected that says "Start."


A better place to ask/search may be Microsoft Knowledge Base. I'm sure you're not the first person to have trouble installing.

Nope, that didn't fix it, and the Microsoft KB didn't turn up any results.

I find it hard to believe there's no problems installing .NET on MSKB.

Also I don't know what you mean by "get rid of .NET and call it a day."

Sounds like you need to get your system back to a known working state.

I found out what it was... You cant install or run .NET without Windows Management Instrumentation service... another useless service that I disabled.

Very few programs I've ever used actually ever required the .NET service in order to run. The majority of them only require it to install for some odd reason... And the only program I can think of that I've used in recent memory is the EQ2 Map Project.

Now I wanted to install OnLive, because they gave me a free Founders Account for a year, and I figured why not. OnLive requires .NET not just to install, but also the run.

You mean I was right? Thanks for the update.