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.net-4.0installation.net-framework-version

Install GitExtensions on a machine with .NET 4.0 only

.NET 4.0 / Visual Studio 2010 is installed on my machine. When I execute the current installer (GitExtensions224SetupComplete.msi) it tells me that I need to install .NET 3.5.
Can one use GitExtensions with .NET 4.0 or do you have to install .NET 3.5? If yes, how do I force the installer to use .NET 4.0?
Is there a general approach to this, which also works with other programs and installers?

Thanks

Solution

  • As far as I can see from GitExtensions224SetupComplete.msi, it has an explicit launch condition Installed OR NETFRAMEWORK35. That's why it doesn't let you proceed without .NET 3.5 installed.

    This can mean 3 things:

    1. .NET 3.5 is required for the application and/or the installation to run. In this case you have no choice apart from installing .NET 3.5
    2. .NET 3.5 prerequisite is a left over. In this case you can try to cheat :)

    DON'T DO THIS ON CRITICAL ENV - IT'S JUST FOR FUN

    The property NETFRAMEWORK35 is set in case the registry value Install equals 1 under registry key SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v3.5. Add this fake registry key with the only value Install and set it to 1. Then run the installer. In case it succeeds - then it's a left over. Otherwise, there's a real dependency to .NET 3.5 and you have to live with this.

    Eventually, the easiest and safest way to go is to install .NET 3.5, that's for sure.