Unable to enable .NET 3.5.1

[JPetrilla]

I seem unable to enable .NET 3.5.1 through the windows features menu. I am able to enable it (check the box) and it goes through the process error free, but afterwards it is not available for use by any programs. It is also not detected by dotNETInspector. I have tried the .NET Framework repair tool with no success. Ran sfc /scannow in an elevated command prompt with no errors. I'm about at wit's end. Any suggestions would be wonderful.

 

[Callender]

.NET Framework

Hi,

You might want to wait to see if any other suggestions are posted before going ahead with this as I'm posting methods that have worked for me in the past but I'm not expert on .NET Framework.

You can download and run the cleanup tool to fully remove all versions of .NET Framework:

.NET Framework Cleanup Tool User's Guide - Aaron Stebner's WebLog - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

Read this first: Updated: what to do if other .NET Framework setup troubleshooting steps do not help - Aaron Stebner's WebLog - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

Disable windows updates or work offline when running the tool.

It will take some time and the method that I used was to remove versions one at a time starting with the highest version number - rebooting each time. Some programs that require .NET framework might stop working but not to worry.

After all versions are fully removed re-enable windows updates and let it take care of the .NET Framework installation. If you need more than one version it will install them in the correct order.

Or if you are 100% sure that you only need 3.5 you can download and install it.

 

[JPetrilla]

Tried that one too, just somehow forgot to mention it. That tool only works with .NET Frameworks that are not included in the Operating system. So it won't do anything for 3.5.1. Downloading and installing is also not an option. You cannot install 3.5.1 (or lower) from a standalone executable because it is considered a part of the operating system.

 

[Callender]

Removal

Tried that one too, just somehow forgot to mention it. That tool only works with .NET Frameworks that are not included in the Operating system. So it won't do anything for 3.5.1. Downloading and installing is also not an option. You cannot install 3.5.1 (or lower) from a standalone executable because it is considered a part of the operating system.

You are correct! I've seen your earlier threads and cannot add to the suggestions that have been made previously!