NET Framework 3.5 can be reinstalled with NET Framework 4 already present?

I am running Windows XP, SP3, with NET Framework 4.  I have some old software I need to re - install that requires Framework 3.5, which can be downloaded from Ms.  But, is it normal to have installed 3.5 and 4 at the same time?  I don't want to remove 4 just for this temporary application, unless absolutely necessary.  It would be temporary, because the task with the old software can be done quickly and then everything restored.

The quick answer is YES.

And the answer more detailed, just in case you want to...

.NET framework can currently be divided into 4 families:

(a) 1.0

(b) 1.1

(c) 2.0 / 3.0 / 3.5

(d) 4.0 / 4.5

(4.5 is not available for XP, but since XP is dying, it won't hurt to learn about it now).

These families are independent of each other and can co-exist.

Higher versions of each family can run programs written for versions inferior to the same family.

For example, you can use 3.5 to run programs requiring 2.0.

Compatibility between families, while it is not impossible, is usually offered nor guaranteed.

Just for further confusion.

3.5 "adds" 3.0, and 3.0 "adds to the ' 2.0.

4.5, on the other hand, "replaces (overwrites) ' 4.0.

For your reference

http://msdn.Microsoft.com/en-us/library/vstudio/bb822049.aspx

Tags: Windows

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