.NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and Family Update Package Revisions on WSUS

In January 2009 Microsoft made available for download a series of updates designed to take .NET Framework to the next level. At that time, the .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update were made available for download. Now the Redmond company is gearing up to revisit the refreshes. The .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Family Update package revisions are scheduled to be offered “soon” via Windows Server Update Services.

“Just a heads up to let you know we will be releasing revised .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Family Update packages to address confusion caused from the initial release on 1/27/2009. In these revised packages, we’ve made 2 changes: 1. We’ve reduced the file size of the packages for each architecture (x86 and x64). The original packages were 237 MB in size, the revised packages are 53 MB (x86) and 97 MB (x64). 2. We’ve clarified the titles to minimize confusion about what each package contains and what it is applicable to,” a WSUS team member explained.

Microsoft failed to deliver the deadline for the availability of the revised .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and Family Update Package through its Windows Update infrastructure designed for business users. However, KB894199 mentions that Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1 will be delivered on May 12, 2009.

“Please note that while the packaging has been updated, there have been no changes made to the binary payload inside these packages, and no new fixes are included beyond those already in the original release on 1/27/2009. Therefore, machines that have previously installed the .NET 3.5 SP1 do not need to install the revised package(s). We expect to publish these revised updates within the next few weeks. We will expire the old packages the same day we release the new revised packages,” the WSUS team member added.

There will be no less than four packages released to customers: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update for .NET versions 2.0 through 3.5 (KB951847) x86; Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update (KB951847) x86; Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update for .NET versions 2.0 through 3.5 (KB951847) x64; and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update (KB951847) x64.

The RTM edition of .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 (SP1) was released in August 2008 and is available for download here.

Here are the links for the .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update:

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update for Windows Vista x86, and Windows Server 2008 x86

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update for Windows Vista x64, and Windows Server 2008 x64

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update for Windows Server 2008 IA64