Multi-targeting .NET Framework 4 and Visual Studio

Question

I have installed Visual Studio 2012 Professional on my machine. I don't have Visual Studio 2010 installed, but I want to keep developing my applications using .NET Framework 4, but I don't have this option on my Visual Studio 2012. Look at the image:

I don't know what can I do to fix this problem, because I click on "More Frameworks..." link and try to install the Multi-Targeting for .NET 4.0.3 (installed on my machine), but it does not work. It says that this version of framework is still installed. What can I do to fix this problem?

Obs: I have lots of projects in C# and VB.NET with .NET 4.0, and I need to keep these projects with new projects on .NET 4.0.

Answer 1

I solved the problem doing these tasks:

• Uninstall the Visual Studio 2012
• Uninstall any reference for the .NET Framework 4.0 or 4.5
• Clean the register with a tool like Glary Utilities and restart the computer
• Install the .NET Framework 4.0 and install Microsoft Multi-Targeting for .NET Framework 4.
• Install Visual Studio 2012 again

Answer 2

You fixed your problem, but it's likely that .NET Framework 4 Targeting Pack (not to be confused with the .NET Framework itself) failed to install for some reason. Did you get a warning at the end of the Visual Studio installation? Either way, in the future, a repair install of Visual Studio 2012 should have fixed the problem (Add or Remove Programs -> Microsoft Visual Studio [Edition] 2012 -> Change -> Repair).

Answer 3

I think that your issue is probably some mishap with the installation of .NET Framework. I installed Visual Studio 2012 Beta and have all kind of troubles with compatibility between framework versions. The only remedy was reinstalling Visual Studio, including .NET Framework.

Check out How to: Target a Version of the .NET Framework (MSDN).

Answer 4

After creating new a project, go to its properties (select your project in Solution Explorer then right click and select properties) and select the target framework!