Imgur uploader says it needs .NET framework 3.5, even though .NET 4.5 is installed!

[inf1nity]

Here's a nifty tool that makes it possible to upload images directly from the file manager. I was using W7 previously and it worked without any problems.

I recently switched to W8.1(clean install). I installed all updates, which includes latest .NET framework. However now ImgurUploader isn't working. The funny thing that other applications that didn't work previously, like paint.net, are now working.

When I try to install it, it says that it requires .NET framework 3.5, which I should download and install. I could downgrade to 3.5; but I don't want to do this.

Any suggestions?

 

[Cerb]

.NET 3.5 is not a downgrade. Install it. TBH, I don't understand why all the .NETs, VC runtimes, and DX9 are not optional Windows Updates from the start.

 

[inf1nity]

If you say so, but can you explain how going to 3.5 from 4.5 isn't a downgrade?

 

[Kaido]

If you say so, but can you explain how going to 3.5 from 4.5 isn't a downgrade?

Don't look at it as a version issue; it's easier to think of them as separate products, i.e. don't look at 4.5 as an upgrade from 3.5, but rather two products that should both be installed side-by-side on your computer.

I don't remember all the technical details, but it's something like 2.0 to 3.5 apps will run on 3.5 - but not higher (reliably, due to feature deprecation iirc) - unless you modify a configuration file for each app to tell the 3.5 app to run on 4.5, and even then support for 3.5 in 4.5 is not completely perfect because of dependencies. If you feel like digging into it, start out by reading about version dependencies here:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb822049.aspx

Then a bit about needing 3.5 on 8.1 when 4.5 is already there:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/hh848079(v=vs.85).aspx

Then some backstory on the 4.0 release:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/ee819091.aspx

TL;DR - just make sure both 3.5 & 4.5 are BOTH installed & your problems will go away.

 

[Berryracer]

If you say so, but can you explain how going to 3.5 from 4.5 isn't a downgrade?

It's a different component, that's why you need to install it manually from Programs and Features. Stupid from Microsoft not to have it installed by default as many programs and even system drivers need it. That's the first thing I install and update after installing Windows 8.1

It's separate from 4.5. You are not downgrading, sort of just adding the other piece of the puzzle to have the complete picture. You need both 3.5 and 4.5

 

[inf1nity]

Okay so I installed .NET 3.5 and imguruploader is working now! Thank you Cerb, Kaido and berryracer.

 

[smakme7757]

If you say so, but can you explain how going to 3.5 from 4.5 isn't a downgrade?

They are programming libraries.

Sort of like recipe books. 4.5 contains it's own recipes. 3.5 also contains its own recipes. The people who wrote the plugin you're using have used a recipe in .NET 3.5 which isn't in .NET 4.5

Therefore you need both.

 

[GrumpyMan]

Thanks for explanation, always wondered about that.