Install Net 3.5 Framework on Windows Server 2012 without DVD

.net-3.5windows-server-2012

I am trying to enable Net 3.5 Framework on Windows Server 2012. However, all the instructions I find on the Internet say I must have DVD of Windows Server 2012.

http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/os-applications/w/wiki/4146.installing-net-3-5-framework-on-microsoft-windows-server-2012.aspx

Since I do not have DVD I have been searching for where to download this feature.

Best Answer

To install the .net 3.5 on server 2012 without the disk (or disk image):

  1. Ensure that the server is NOT looking at a WSUS server for updates (must be looking at Windows Update for this to work)
  2. Ensure that any proxy/firewall will allow the connection from the server in question to the Windows update service

  3. From a command line run:

    dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /all

    The elimination of the source switch is done on purpose as this will force the server to look within its own SxS folder, not find the needed files, and then go to Windows Update for the files (hence step 1 where it is not pointing to a WSUS server).

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