Can't Install Net Framework 3.5, Tried pretty much everything I could find

[georgewesker97]

Just did a clean install of Windows 10 and installed all the drivers, some essential programs too, but when I tried to install Sims 3, towards the end of the installation, Windows warned me that I need Net 3.5, so I let it find it online and download it but it got stuck on Downloading required files. Just when I wanted to close it, it said that the files could not be found.

The things I tried:

• ■ downloading a standalone package from Microsoft's site, when I run it, the same old window appears and tells me that Net 3.5 is missing and asks me if I want to look for it on the Internet
  ■ activating it through the Control Panel /Turn Windows features on or off. When I click ok, the Net 3.5 is missing window appears and fails
  ■ Using the Microsoft Net Framework fix tool
  ■ Using the dism command to install it through my Windows 10 bootable USB
  ( DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:E:\sources\sxs)
  when I run it, it finishes and says that it was completed succesfully BUT that Net 3.5 was NOT enabled
  ■ Deleting everything under C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

After using the DISM command, and restarting the computer, the installer wasn't stuck on Downloading required files anymore. Instead, quickly after it says that to complete the installation I need to reboot my PC. I restart it, and everything stays the same. Stills tells me that I need to restart it.
I'm really running out of ideas right now, and I really hope someone can help me fix this. Hopefully without reinstalling Windows again.

 

[bjornl]

Have you tried the off-line installer? Which instead of downloading and running a stub (and then downloading the rest during install) DLs the entire package to begin with.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/framework-3-offline/

 

[georgewesker97]

Have you tried the off-line installer? Which instead of downloading and running a stub (and then downloading the rest during install) DLs the entire package to begin with.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/framework-3-offline/

Yes, I did. Thats what I meant by standalone package.

 

[bjornl]

Here is Microsoft's method of install:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/install/dotnet-35-windows-10
If the full package and the above doesn't work, I would be concerned about the state of the install. I guess you already thought of that since you used DISM. Did you also try SFC /SCANNOW?

If that doesn't work, then try a repair install. Here is a link explaining how to do so from an ISO and a link to the ISO. A repair install is the last hope before a complete re-install.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-windows_install-winpc/how-to-perform-a-repair-upgrade-using-the-windows/35160fbe-9352-4e70-9887-f40096ec3085?auth=1

 

[th3p00r]

Did you update windows after installation? try if that helps.