Source Files Could Not Be Found

Posted By admin  On 21.04.21



  1. Source Files Could Not Be Found .net 3.5 Server 2016
  2. Source File Not Found Error

The solution to “The source files could not be found” when installing .NET Framework 3.5 on Server 2012 (or Windows 8) is to:

  1. Pop in the DVD (or the ISO for the DVD)
  2. Start the ADD ROLES AND FEATURES Wizard and click the obvious choices up until the CONFIRMATION screen
  3. on the CONFIRMATION screen of the ADD ROLES AND FEATURES WIZARD, you need to click the SPECIFY SOURCE link (tiny link at the bottom of the window)
  4. Point the source path to D:sourcessxs (obviously change D: to whatever your DVD drive letter is)

The source files could not be found. Use the 'Source' option to specify the location of the files that are required to restore the feature. For more information on specifying a source location, see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=243077. If there is no direct Internet access from the server, then when you trying to install.NET 3.5 on Windows Server using the Server Manager console (Add Roles and Features - Features - NET Framework 3.5 Features), the installation fails with the error 0x800f081f ( The source files could not be found) or 0x800F0950.

Also note that if you download the .NET 3.5 installer from the web and then try to run it, the install will error out with:

Install from roles and features

  • 1: Analyse the Component: Before proceeding to start the component clean, first analyze it to see if there are errors. 2: Clean the Components File: The first way to tackle this issue is to clean up image components. This can be done.
  • Fetch the missing AssemblyInfo.cs and any other missing files from another commit, taking care to manage and save your.csproj file so the referenced files don't vanish from the project—perhaps by adding and removing a random.cs file to cause changes to need to be saved (since visual studio thinks the.csproj file has been saved when it hasn't).
  • The source files could not be found. Use the 'Source' option to specify the location of the files that are required to restore the feature. For more information on specifying a source location, see The DISM log file can be found at C: WINDOWS Logs DISM dism.log So it looks like it is time to upgrade.

For more detail read MS KB2734782:

In Windows 8 and in Windows Server 2012, the .Net Framework 3.5 is a Feature on Demand. The metadata for Features on Demand are included in Windows 8 and in Windows Server 2012. However, the binaries and other files associated with the feature are not included. When you enable the feature, Windows tries to contact Windows Update to download the missing information to install the feature.

Last updated on October 6th, 2017

The DISM error 0x800f0906: Source files could not be downloaded, occurred on a Windows 10 based computer after running the 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' command.

The error message indicates that Windows cannot connect online to download the required files to repair the Windows 10 image, despite the fact that the system has already access to the Internet and to Microsoft servers without any problem.

DISM Error 0x800f0906 in details:

'C:WINDOWSsystem32>DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
Version: 10.0.15063.0

Image Version: 10.0.15063.0

[100.0%]
Error: 0x800f0906

The source files could not be downloaded.
Use the 'source' option to specify the location of the files that are required to restore the feature. For more information on specifying a source location, see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=243077.

The DISM log file can be found at C:WINDOWSLogsDISMdism.log'

This troubleshooting guide contains detailed instructions to fix the DISM Error 0x800f0906 in Windows 10/8/8.1

How to FiX DISM RestoreHealth Error 0x800f0906.

Method 1. Run DISM command again.
Method 2. Check your date and time settings.
Method 3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Method 4. Force Windows to re-create the Windows Update Store folder.
Other Methods to fix DISM /RestoreHealth Errors.
Method 1. Run DISM command again.

On a Windows 10 Home based computer, I realized that DISM fails with error 0x800f0906, at 100% of the Restore Health process. So, I decided to run 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' command again and fortunately the DISM problem 'The source files could not be downloaded' disappeared.

So, before you continue to the rest methods, execute the 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' command once more, to verify if the DISM error 0x800f0906 persists.

Method 2. Check your date and time settings.

Ensure that your computer's (or phone) date and time are correct. To do that

1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys to open run command box.
2. Type control panel and press Enter.

2. Change the View by: to Small icons.

3. Open Date and Time.

Source Files Could Not Be Found .net 3.5 Server 2016

4. Press Change date and time.

4a. Set the current date/time/year and click OK.
5. Press the Change time zone button.

5a. Set your current Time Zone and press OK.

6. Choose the Internet Time tab and click the Change settings button.

6a. Check the Synchronize with an Internet time server checkbox & then choose a Time Server from the list (e.g. time.windows.com).
6b. When done, click Update Now.

6c. When the time is updated, press OK twice to close all open windows.
7. Restart your computer and run the 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' command again.

Dism source file not found
Method 3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

1. Download and Save on your computer the Windows 10/8 Update Troubleshooter.
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter and press Next.

3. Choose Try troubleshooting as an administrator.

4. Press Next and follow the rest of the steps in the wizard to repair problems with Windows update.

5. When the repair is completed, Close the wizard.

6. Restart your computer and run the 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' command again.

Method 4. Force Windows to re-create the Windows Update Store folder.

The Windows Update Store folder (commonly known as 'SoftwareDistribution' folder) is the location where Windows stores the downloaded updates.

-If the SoftwareDistribution folder becomes corrupted then it causes problems with Windows Update. So, one of the most efficient solutions to resolve problems with Windows Update is to recreate the SoftwareDistribution folder. To do that:

1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys to open run command box.
2. In run command box, type: services.msc and press Enter.

3. Right click on Windows Update service and select Stop.

4. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to C:Windows folder.
5. Select and Delete the “SoftwareDistribution” folder.*
(Click Continue at 'Folder Access Denied' window).

* Note: The next time the Windows Update run, a new empty SoftwareDistribution folder will be created automatically by Windows to store updates.

6.Restart your computer and run the 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' command again.

Other Methods to fix DISM /RestoreHealth Errors.

If you still face problems when running DISM, after applying the above mentioned methods, then proceed and try the instructions from the following articles:

That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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Source File Not Found Error

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