No. I have avast! as AV and COMODO as Firewall, AntiSpyware: MalwareBytes'Antimalware, SuperAntispyware, Spywareblaster 4.2, ThreatFire, lObii 360.. I have had .NET install easily for 6 yrs now (I am 73) without a hitch. The new Microsoft Updates came in whilst I was reinstalling after a format. (Raw reinstall of my XP Home SP3). When I got down to installing .NET. simply, no go. A Google search for a fix (I found none) revealed hundreds of people are experiencing the same problem,,. but no fix. Thanks for taking an interest to help me. It looks like another format and reinstall - this time with Microsoft Updates disabled and no security programs installed.?