XCOM needs .net framework 3.5 to run, unable to install as Win 8.1 has newer version built in, XCOM broken on Windows 8.1

[Glottis]

Did a fresh install of windows that I do every so often, desided to give XCOM a whirl. Cannot install XCOM as it requires .net framework 3.5 and windows 8.1 comes with .net 4.0 built in. Since unable to install XCOM will not run.

I have already tried launching with compatability settings for the XCOM executable changed from XP through to Win 8 with no joy.

Anyone got any ideas how to get it working on 8.1?

[Alex_x86]

Just install .Net 3.5 SP1 from MS site.

[Glottis]

Автор сообщения: Alex_x86

Just install .Net 3.5 SP1 from MS site.

Tried you go to microsoft and they offer 2 installers, dotNetFx40_client_setup.exe and dotnetFx35 setup.exe. one of them is the same installer xcom tries to run when you install, the other is the actual program files. Neither of them will install as the newer version (built into windows 8.1) is there.

[Alex_x86]

.Net 4.0 & .Net 3.5 could be installed side by side even if your Windows had 4.5 preinstalled :P Anyway try this[msdn.microsoft.com]

[Glottis]

Автор сообщения: Alex_x86

.Net 4.0 & .Net 3.5 could be installed side by side even if your Windows had 4.5 preinstalled :P Anyway try this[msdn.microsoft.com]

Thanks for your help,

I have already tried this and its not working for me. Not even getting any joy with the command line, but ill keep on trying.

If all else fails I'm gonna install Ubuntu on one of my drives, no 'enemy within' on linux yet but at least i can give it a play :P

[bumfist]

Did you solve the problem? Cause I could need some help! Have the same problem! :(

[Glottis]

I did actually

Took a few weeks but I finally managed to get XCOM working on a fully updated version of Windows 8.1. Basically there are 2 security updates that prevent 3.5 to be installed.

I found this solution on tomshardware.co.uk and it works.

go to control panel / uninstall a program / view installed updates (top left corner) and then delete (remove/uninstall) these two updates: KB2966826 and KB2966828.

Then go back to windows update / view installed updates (bottom left corner )/ enable windows features and check the .net framework 3.5. Then windows update will download it without saying it cannot connect to the internet. Windows update will reinstall the two removed updates later without any ill effect.

When I did it for some reason windows couldn’t download the full file( about 90% of it), so I google'd .net framework 3.5 msi and downloaded the compact installer, ran it and it worked fine.

Finally I can play xcom without having to boot into my linux distro.

[shadow3007]

Thanks man, this was a HUGE help!!!!!

[Glottis]

Your welcome, glad i can help :)

[Chemical]

Well Windows 10 is out 2 years later. Yeah. Xcom 2 just been released, Too expensive for me, But ill settle for enemy within. I've bought the DLC £19.99 all good. But the same problem here. Won't let me install Framework 3.5.Ive followed every step above, I don't have those two firewall updates. Yet still no instalation. What should I do?

[Frid]

INSERT WINDOWNS INSTALL DVD OR USB, OPEN CMD AND USE THIS:
Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /Source:C:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess

///

INSTEAD OF '' :C: '' needs to be your Install Media Location. In my case its '' :D'' , because my USB installer is in D drive.