Step One

Go to the Microsoft.NET Framework Redistributable web site by clicking here. The site is actually hosted by MSDN (Microsoft Developers Network). Once there, check that your operating system is capable of running .NET. You can see a list of compatible operating systems under the heading "System Requirements". One of the requirements is that you have version 5.01 or higher of Internet Explorer installed (regardless of what browser you normally use). There is a link to download IE6 if you need to.

To begin the .NET Framework download, click on the link on the right where it says Download.

Step Two

You will be prompted that you are about to download a file called dotnetfx.exe, and asked whether you want to open it, or save it to disk (ie save it somewhere on your computer). What exactly you will see depends on what browser you are using. Select the option of saving the file on your computer.

It doesn't matter where you decide to save the file, as long as you don't forget where you chose. Somewhere like "My Documents" will do fine. When you press "Save" the download begins.

Step Three

Put the kettle on, because the download is fairly large.

Step Four

When the file has downloaded, you need to double-click on it to begin the installation. When you do, you are asked to confirm that you want to install the framework.

After you say yes to this, a licence agreement will appear.

Select the "I agree" option and press "Install" to begin the installation.

Step Five

When the installation is complete you will be able to run any programs written for the .NET Framework. You don't need to do any more. The .NET Framework is now present on your computer for the benefit of any .NET programs that want to use it.

If you are worried about space on your computer, it is now OK to delete the file "dotnetfx.exe", as the files it contains have now been unpacked and installed.