Mount the original image to your virtual or physical machine. If you lack an image, you can download a clean copy from the official Microsoft Evaluation Center . Open the mounted drive (e.g., drive letter D: ). Navigate to the D:\sources\sxs folder.
Windows Server 2012 R2 ships with the ability to add .NET Framework 3.5 (which includes 2.0 and 3.0) as a Windows feature. Because Server 2012 R2 typically has its installation media trimmed and component store (WinSxS) handling changed from older Windows versions, administrators often encounter the file Microsoft-Windows-NetFx3-OnDemand-Package.cab when installing .NET 3.5 “Features on Demand.” This essay examines what that CAB is, why it matters, common deployment scenarios, security and integrity concerns, and practical guidance for administrators.
Whether this server is a or governed by strict domain GPOs .
Set it to and check the box marked Contact Windows Update directly to download repair content instead of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) . Mount the original image to your virtual or physical machine
: Inside that folder, you will find microsoft-windows-netfx3-ondemandpackage~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~.cab . Copy this file to a local directory on your target server, such as C:\sxs\ .
Advance through the wizard to the selection screen.
Windows Server 2012 R2 introduces a minimal footprint philosophy. Features like .NET Framework 3.5 (which includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) are in a "Removed" state rather than just "Disabled". Navigate to the D:\sources\sxs folder
If you do not have the full ISO or are experiencing issues with the mounted drive, you can extract the .cab file.
If you prefer a graphical interface, you must point the wizard to the "Alternate Source Path". Microsoft Dynamics Community Server Manager Add roles and features Proceed to the page and select .NET Framework 3.5 Features Confirmation page, click the link at the bottom: "Specify an alternate source path" Enter the path to the folder (e.g., D:\sources\sxs ) and click Microsoft Dynamics Community Method 3: PowerShell Installing .Net 3.5 on Windows 2012 R2 - Server Fault
If you prefer command line, you can use PowerShell to install using the ISO source. Whether this server is a or governed by strict domain GPOs
Even with a new CAB, you might see errors. Here’s how to fix them.
: Reboot the server, temporarily disable strict Group Policies regulating Windows Update, and run the DISM command again. To help you get this resolved quickly, let me know:
: Pinpoints the location of the folder containing the .cab file. Method B: Installation via Enterprise PowerShell
If you prefer command-line tools, use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.