Offline Installer for .NET framework 3.5, still requiring an internet connection

I am running the .NET 3.5 offline installer on windows 8.1 from Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service pack 1 (Full Package) . Though, when I run this exe, it still prompts me to install from windows update. The same thing happens with the pre-service pack installer.

Even if I am connected to the internet, the download never completes and freezes on 'Downloading required files'

Does anyone have any insight to what could be wrong?

Edit: Daniel B brought to my attention that this package is not supported for windows 8.1. I will be taking the route of installing via the windows 8.1 ISO.

Supported Operating System

Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows XP

A Microsoft MVP explains this process here: How to enable .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 8 in Offline Mode

3 Answers

You need the Windows DVD or ISO. Then use:

DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:d:\sources\sxs

Note that /Online means the working image of Windows, not an online install

A Microsoft MVP explains this process here: How to enable .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 8 in Offline Mode

I was unable to DISM for this because the sxs folder diddnt exist on my 8.1 DVD so I did a search and found the update on the DVD, its under \support\framework_3.5\ I ran that and it updated it, works fine. Brian.

Go to: control panel > programs Then click "turn windows features on or off" Tick the .NET framework 3.5 box then click OK. Wait for the installation, then restart PC (if required)