Failed to convert server core to GUI on Windows Server 2012 R2 by installation media

Symptom

Have you tried to covert server core to GUI on Windows Server 2012 R2 by installation media?

Do you get the following error message?

Install-WindowsFeature : The request to add or remove features on the specified server failed.

Installation of one or more roles, role services, or features failed.

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.

Even though use DISM command, the features were failed to install.

Cause

The Windows was installed by the volume installation media which is the first released.

According to the KB, the Windows Server 2012 R2 Volume Licensing media was designed to require access to Windows Update in order to add optional components or features that are not included in the side-by-side repository. If the server doesn't have Internet access, or if access to Windows Update has been restricted, you can't enable optional components or features by using the DISM command, Windows PowerShell cmdlets, or Server Manager.

Resolution

1. Connect the Windows Server 2012 R2 to internet to get the update to install roles, roles services or features.

2. Use the re-packaged image that was released on 11-Dec-2013 to reinstall the Windows Server 2012 R2.

Eventually, make sure your image source before installing Windows Server 2012 R2.

Reference

You can't install features in Windows Server 2012 R2

  

This posting is provided “AS IS” with no warranties, and confers no rights!

Using DISM to upgrade higher Windows Editioin

Starting from Windows Server 2008 R2, administrators can perform DISM to upgrade Windows Edition without re-installing the Windows. For an example, Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition can be upgraded to Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition or Datacenter edition and Windows Server 2012 or R2 Standard can be upgraded to Windows Server 2012 or R2 Datacenter edition.

To do this, administrators can perform the following commands in Command Prompt.

1. "dism /online /Get-CurrentEdition" to check current edition of the Windows

2. "dism /online /Get-TargetEditions" to check which version can be upgraded to

3. "dism /online /Set-Edition: ServerDatacenter /AcceptEula /ProductKey:12345-67890-12345-67890-12345" to upgrade Standard Edition to Datacenter edition.

Remark: On Windows Server 2008 R2 edition, administrators don't need to add "/AcceptEula" parameter when performing dism.

Remark: DISM /online /Set-Edition doesn't support downgrade Windows Edition.

More information

Upgrading Windows Server 2008 R2 without media

Evaluation Versions and Upgrade Options for Windows Server 2012

DISM Windows Edition-Servicing Command-Line Options

This posting is provided “AS IS” with no warranties, and confers no rights!