SQL Server 2008 setup requires .Net Framework 3.5

Question

I have installed Windows Server 2008 64-bit twice, added all possibly relevant Roles and Features (e.g. App Server, IIS, IIS6 compatbility, etc.) and run all Windows updates, including latest Windows Installer.  When I try to run SETUP for SQL '08 Standard, it immediatley pops up error stating "Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 installation has failed.  SQL Server 2008 setup requires .Net Framework 3.5 to be installed".  Note that both the Framework and the Frameworks64 folders under C:\Windows\Microsoft.Net\ - both have a v3.5 subfolder.  I've also tried removing and re-installing the framework and applying SP1.  Nothing helps.

I then installed Win Srv 08 R2 and took same steps - and STILL get same error message.  HELP!!

Answer 1

In my opinion  your setup files are corrupted (are you trying to install it from media(DVD)? or downloaded it from one of the  MS site)

Also, try installing .NET Framework 3.5 service pack 1.

http://www.robertlinquist.com/2009/10/sql-server-2008-setup-requires.html

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/sqlsetupandupgrade/thread/8e75b03e-1f3f-465a-8fdd-557e70d1b8fa

Also, make sure you have Windows Installer 4.5 you can obtained it from here

http://blogs.msdn.com/jongallant/archive/2008/11/19/solution-to-the-sql-server-2008-with-visual-studio-2008-sp1-install-exception-sql-server-2008-setup-requires-net-framework-3-5-to-be-installed.aspx

Answer 2

Sorry if this is a duplicate posting, but I don't see my reply, so here goes again.  I don't believe it's a corrupt media problem as I get exact same error with SQL 08 Std DVD created from ISO download from Action  Pack, as I do with SQL 08 Enterprise trial.

I looked at all of the links.  Under Win Srv 08 R2, I can't install WIndows Install 4.5.  When I try it tells me the update "does not apply" to my system.

I also noted in my original post that I had installed / uninstalled the .Net Framework 3.5 Sp1 repeatedly, but always got same error

Note, I'm seeing exact same problem under both Win Srv 08 Std and Win Srv 08 R2.  The problem seems to be tied completely to the x64 versions.

I've googled and Bing'd this and review the MS support forums extensively.  Nowhere do I see a clear answer.  So, I wonder if Microsoft should not do more testing and/or better documentation for their latest OS 64-bit environments.

Answer 3

OK, I got it to work!!  The media wasn't defective - it was the wrong media altogether!!  It wasn't until I started creating a slipstream installation set that I realized I had been working with the x86 Enterprise trial download all along.  I promptly downloaded the x64 and it's installing prefectly fine.  So, my recommendation for the .Net Framework 3.5 message - which was _extremely_ frustrating, as it created no log files or anything - is to verify that you have an x64 installation package.  This is easily done by simply looking at the subfolders off the root.  If there's only an x86 folder, then it ain't going to install on a Windows Server 2008 x64 box.  Go figure!