What's the error when you try to install NET Framework 3.5 SP1.? Is the file on the desktop, and when you double click it does nothing? It's always possible a bad download occurred.

See link

Here is a link that might be useful: framework_3/

Might want to visit windows up-date also. As Net Framework is installed as an up-date. Do you see it in the add / remove list or Programs & features in win 7 and Vista.

You might want to do a search here on the forum using the keywords "net framework" (sans quotes). My recollection is that there were reoccurring concerns with the NF update, particularly for some XP users. It was prevalent enough that even though I operate with Vista and did nothing that required the update I hid my NF updates to avoid their installation.

A waltz through Google might not be a bad idea either.

DA

usually when a program requests a specific version of .NET to function properly it will offer with in its installation the option to do that .NET install. Did that occur? it is usually easier and best to do it that way through the program you are wanting to use so that it installs precisely what you need for that program. There are many .NET versions and downloads, some are definitely problems. I do not do any and none of the programs I have thus far used have required me to.
My suggestion is to try with the Family Tree maker itself to have it do the .NET that it requires. Perhaps contacting the manufacturer for more details of what is needed would be a good idea also.

Thanks to all for responding.
Zep - I did all the Windows updating after running into
this problem. Was able to find out what NET framework
I have by running Belarc Advisor. (1.1) It showed two
M/S Hotfix entries: S867460 and M979906. The M/S site
indicated that S867460 was security bulletin MS10-041
and M979906 was a list of fixed bugs for this framework.

I downloaded Framework 3.5 SP1 twice (to my desktop) and
got "Setup Error" each time I tried to install it.

DA - Did a search engine check for answers, as well as
checking here first. What I read here about framework
either didn't seem to apply or perhaps I'm just not
savvy enough to understand how to fix this problem.

Raven - It would make sense that the makers of the
new Family Tree Maker would have included that NET
version, but it didn't. Have posted on their blog,
but got no response, thus far.

Kat

As far as I know Vista has net framework by default not sure xp, That program Family tree needs net frame work to take advantage of web enhancements offered.

So I will google Setup Error framework 3.5 SP1 and start there.

I'd follow those instructions, at link to the t.

Here is a link that might be useful: microsoft-net-framework-3-5-sp1

Thanks, Zep. Not only does the Family Tree program need
NET framework "to take advantage of web enhancements
offered," it needs it to actually be able to download
the program! LOL

I used your words "Setup Error framework 3.5 SP1" in a
search engine and got better results than when I originally
sought a resolution. Came across some thought-provoking
ideas about this NET Framework business -- namely, it
sounds like I'd have to download previous ones (2.0 and
3.0) before attempting to get 3.5. Auugh. Sounds like
that would potentially lead to more issues that needed
resolving. (One discussion said that the complete 3.5
framework takes 50-200 MB!)

I did bookmark the excellent WindowsBBS site, as well as
printed out the discussion "Unable to Install Microsoft,
net framework 3.5 SP1."

Honestly, at this point I need to decide if I should leave
well enough, but pass on installing the Family Tree Maker
program for awhile. Maybe enough other people have run
into this situation and the manufacturers will come up
with a comfortable solution.

Thank you for taking the time to help. I do appreciate it. Kat

(Am going now to post a question about something else.:))

Actually I do take that avenue myself often, if a program is going to require me to jump through hoops and install other programs and stuff just to use it then I have to wonder do I really want and need it. Usually I end up doing fine with out it or I find an alternate one that works with out all the other crud. Some of the older programs would likely not require that newer .NET to run.

I always recommend Gizmo's site when looking for good safe programs and he does have a section on this type of program so you may look there and these are free versions.
Best Free Genealogy / Family Tree Software

also a google search for family tree software will give you many results if you add free to the end then it will give you the free options.

on some programs you can look up to see if they have special requirements prior to install, .NET would be one I would look to see if it is mentioned.

One thing I also love about Gizmo's site is down below there is a comments section where you can read the comments from real users and often they recommend programs too. But you can usually find out if there are any issues they are encountering with various programs.

I know there is one called GRAMPS which is open source was linux only but now there is a windows version.
I have not tried any of them. Let us know if you find a keeper.

Raven - I did hear back from customer support re: Family
Tree Maker 2011. Said I could "uninstall/reinstall all
versions of .NET Framework." The steps and links were
provided. Although I did d/l and save the required
versions, I then noted that over 63 MB PLUS the size of
the Tree Maker program would be taking up computer space
in order to use that program. Maybe, someday, sometime
in the future, I will want/need the added 'bells and
whistles.' For now, I'll try out some of the free programs.

Thanks so much for the Gizmo site link. Normally, I'll
go to CNET for what I need. It's great to have another
source!

Will try to remember to post back here if/when I find a
good and free genealogy program.

Thanks again, Kat