Like many of you, I was very anxious to try out the .NET 3.0 Release Candidate bits (click here to download). However, for some reason I had trouble installing the bits. After many unsuccessful attempts, I finally decided to read the readme file (Yes, I do occasionally stop and ask for directions). I disabled my virus scanner as suggested by the readme file and sure enough, the installer finished without a complaint.

If you install the framework, you'll also want to install these:

Microsoft® Windows® Software Development Kit (Web) for RC 1 of Windows Vista and .NET Framework 3.0 Runtime Components (The SDK is > 1.0 GB, you are better off download the ISO image and instead of a Web Install)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=117ecfd3-98ad-4d67-87d2-e95a8407fa86&displaylang=en

Microsoft Visual Studio Code Name “Orcas” Community Technology Preview – Development Tools for .NET Framework 3.0

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=935AABF9-D1D0-4FC9-B443-877D8EA6EAB8&displaylang=en