Intel Driver Update Utility 2.0 & MS .NET Framework 4.5

I have just downloaded and installed Intel Driver Update Utility 2.0. Two things happened and I can't figure out why.

1. During installation Microsoft .NET framework 4.5 downloaded and installed. I have Windows 7 Ultimate without SP1. According to Microsoft, the .NET Framework 4.5 requires Windows 7 SP1. I'm not complaining, but from experience I have learned that Microsoft software will not install if the requirements for Windows, the Service Packs, and Updates are not met. Why did it install?

2. I opened Intel Driver Update Utility 2.0 and clicked on 'Auto detect and recommend drivers>'. After a few minutes it showed the Installed version, 8.15.10.2869, and the Latest version, 15.17.19.2869. I downloaded the latest version - the file name is Win7Vista_151719 -, installed it and restarted the PC. But, Device Manager, Programs and Features, and Driver Booster 2 from IObit all show version 8.15.10.2869. I ran the Intel app again, and again it showed the original info. Viewing the Properties of the downloaded file, further confuses the issue, it shows 8.15.10.2869! Am I missing something?

PS I don't need to update the graphics driver and I'm grateful for the MS .NET Framework 4.5, but I believe we are never to old to learn.

 

1. .NET framework does not hard block requirements. I managed to get 4.5.2 installed on a Server 2008 (non R2) SP1 machine. It required SP2.


2. You are confusing package version and driver version. In that the last four numbers were the same, chances are the driver included was not newer, but the other software was.

 

Thank you Adrynalyne.
I opened the Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel and it looks vastly different, with numerous settings I don't need. Also, Device Manager now shows 91 driver files in the System32 folder, of which 54 are language related (RESOURCES and LRC) files. I think this 'update' almost qualifies as Bundleware.

 

They have a zip file too, which installs just the bare essentials (I think).

 

I have just visited the Intel Download Center and there are exe and zip files for all drivers for my motherboard. The zip file is fractionally larger and the description includes "This driver is intended for developers and IT professionals."

I download the zip file for Windows XP, will install the driver tomorrow and see if there's any options during installation. I noticed the archive also includes a Video BIOS update.

This whole exercise started because Plane9 crashed under both Windows 7 and XP.

 

Yeah they label it that way because most consumers don't know how to manually install drivers.