Introduction: Install .NET Framework 1.0 on 64-bit Windows

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Anyone who has ever attempted to install the .NET Framework version 1.0 on a 64-bit version of Windows has probably come across an error saying that it won't work on 64-bit Windows. However, there is a workaround.

NOTICE: Microsoft does not support .NET Framework on recent versions of Windows. I cannot be held responsible if this Instructable damages your operating system.

Prerequisites:

.NET Framework 1.0 Redistributable - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.a...

MSI2XML/XML2MSI - https://msi2xml.sourceforge.io/

Updates:

.NET Framework 1.0 SP3 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.a...

KB928367 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.a...

Step 1: Extract the Installer

Save the dotnetfx.exe file in a temporary folder, open up an elevated Command Prompt, and enter the following command:

dotnetfx.exe /C /T:<destination folder>

(Replace <destination folder> with the path to an empty folder.)

Step 2: Convert the Installer to XML

Make sure msi2xml/xml2msi is installed, and enter the folder where you extracted the .NET Framework installer.

Enter the following command: msi2xml netfx.msi

Step 3: Remove the 64-bit Check

Open the generated netfx.xml file and search for VersionNT64 . Delete all the lines around it starting with <row> and ending with </row>.

Save the file and close the text editor.

Step 4: Convert the XML Back to MSI.

Go back to the command prompt, and enter the following command:

xml2msi netfx.xml

This will overwrite the msi file with the new version without the 64-bit check.

Step 5: Try Installing...

Run the install.exe file from the setup folder.

However, on some versions of Windows this will fail.

Step 6: Tweak the Registry

Setup is blocked because Windows placed a value in the registry which .NET 1.0 setup checks for and fails to install if it exists. So it needs to be deleted.

Open up regedit

For versions of Windows up to Windows 10 Anniversary Update:

    1. In the left pane:
    2. Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
    3. Expand Software
    4. Expand Wow6432Node
    5. Expand Microsoft
    6. Expand .NETFramework
    7. Expand v1.0
    8. Click on SBSDisabled

      Or for Windows 10 Creators Update and newer, simply copy and paste the following into the address bar at the top of Registry Editor:

      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\.NETFramework\v1.0\SBSDisabled

      After navigating to the registry key, in the right pane, right click Install and select Delete.

      In the message box that appears, click Yes.

      Step 7: Install .NET Framework 1.0

      Run the install.exe program one more time. .NET Framework 1.0 should install without trouble.

      Step 8: Update .NET Framework 1.0

      Several updates were released after .NET Framework 1.0 was released. First install Service Pack 3; try to do so before restarting your computer to prevent possible login issues.

      Then install the KB928367 update.

      If you came here from the Install Visual Studio .NET 2002 on 64-bit Instructable, then you may continue with that Instructable.