if it did not come to you as a critical update and if you do not use programs that are saying they need .Net 3.5 to run then likely you can do with out it. I do only critical updates on my windows boxes. But each person has to determine that on their own.

I do not do them, I have not had any programs that required me to update the .NET framework, if at some point you do use a program that needs it the program will let you know and give you the info for which one it needs. Many of them can cause problems. If you review the patch list chart Susan Bradley puts out you can see what she recommends. problem-patch chart and an earlier one problem-patch chart

I think there is a little misunderstanding of what .net framework is here, It's analogous to Java in that it's an engine that runs behind the scenes to provide functionality, it helps things run. It is used by certain programs many of which are involved with webpage design and display, it is used for programs like MS Visual Studio, it is also used by some game consoles, the newer applications may require the newer version of .net,older ones will be able to use 1.1 which is standard. However version 2 is NOT backward compatible with version 1.1 which is unfortunate. it's a framework/API to allow quick development of products with less errors, like ASP.net, Office 2007 uses it, and MS has really been pushing .net on the development community so a lot of the newer applications do use .net and when you need or get one of those applications or programs it will tell you that to use it you will need such and such version of .net for it to work (it works in the background to allow things to perform their task) and it will usually offer to have you install it or give the link to install it. here is the wiki on it, somewhat techie but does explain it. .NET Framework so it does not matter if you share files or network that is not what the .net means at all. you can simply leave the one you currently have on your pc as is till some day some program tells you that you will need a newer version of .net to run it, but do make sure if there are hotfixes or patches for the version you have as I mentioned earlier you do get those. I would not advise removing it from your pc either because it is very possible something you have on the pc does use it with out your knowing it.

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.:))