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Resolved Question

Do I need these MS Updates?

Aug 22, 2012 2:08AM PDT

I hope this is the correct forum for this question,. If not, I apologize.

I am running an OEM (emachines) Windows XP Home Edition Build 2600 with native SP2 updated to SP3.

When I go to Microsoft Updates I am offered the below listed updates that seem to be for SP2. Since the SP3 update is installed, do I really need these particular updates in order to keep my system safe?

Thank you,

Charlie

Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 SP2 on Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP x86 (KB268682Cool

Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 SP2 on Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP x86 (KB2604092)

Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 SP2 on Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP x86 (KB2604110)


Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 SP2 on Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP x86 (KB2656352)


Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 SP2 on Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP x86 (KB2656407)

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caktus has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Maybe, Maybe Not...
Aug 22, 2012 3:04AM PDT

The "SP2" mentioned in those updates if for the specific version of NET Framework mentioned, NOT for Windows XP.. In regards to whether you need them, since they've been offered by Windows Updates, it means you currently have NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2 and NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 2 installed on your computer. NET Framework is a software framework created by Microsoft which is used to run various subprograms on your computer.. It does NOT come natively installed with Windows XP, but many computer manufacturers include it in the basic computer package because certain types of program require it.. If your computer doesn't have a program that requires NET Framework, then you don't it at all and it can be uninstalled.. If uninstalled, the updates you've listed above won't be offered by Windows Updates and can be ignored.

On the other hand, if you have programs on your computer which require NET Framework (Visual Studio, some Server software, and a number of other things.), you'll want to keep it installed and you'll need to use the updates offered for it.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Thank you, Grif. :-)
Aug 22, 2012 12:42PM PDT

I was beginning to think maybe something was wrong with XP's SP 3 installation.