Error 0x80073701 on Server 2012 r2

Question

When trying to install new roles and features on a Windows Server 2012 R2 system I receive the following error: "The referenced assembly could not be found: Error: 0x80073701". When looking in the CBS file I see the following error: HRESULT = 0x80073701 - ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING.

I was trying to install VPN or remote access role when I first received the error, so I tried to install Telnet Client and receive the same error.
I have searched all over the web and have not been able to find any help with this problem. It appears many other people have the issues but I have not found any solutions.

I have tried using DISM and SCF but both did not find errors and completed successfully.

Thank you for your help, Kirk.

Answer 1

Hi,
After checking the CBS log, you saw the error: HRESULT = 0x80073701 - ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING.

Check the contents below this error message for any references to updated or related package information. This is probably why the role install failed.

Also you could check for update. If any security updates need to be installed. Installing them firstly to check.

If DISM and SCF command could not find errors (include in CBS.log), I suggest that you could perform a repair install by running setup.exe from the root of the Windows Server 2012 install media.
Hope this helps and please help to accept as Answer if the response is useful.
Best Regards,
Carl