NET Framework 4.8 install failed on Windows Server 2019

Question

I am trying to install .NET Framework 4.8 on my Windows server 2019 but I get this message:

".NET Framework 4.8 has not been installed because: An attempt was made to create more links on a file than the file system supports."

Answer 1

Hello,

It finally worked. I had to use the Repair Tool... And then I ran the .NET 4.8 installer again without closing the Repair Tool window. (I did not catch this detail in the instructions).

Answer 2

Hi @PittPeter ,

Are you attempting to install this on a Windows Server 2019 with Desktop Experience or Server Core?

May I suggest you to check the log file for any more information, you could also attach the log file here so we can take a look at it.

Another thing to try is the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-net-framework-repair-tool-is-available-942a01e3-5b8b-7abb-c166-c34a2f4b612a

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(If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you)

Best regards,
Leon

Answer 3

I had the same error. Log shows failing on KB4486153. I tried installing the Offline and Web .NET 4.8 installers and both failed. I downloaded them on 5/12/2021.

What worked for me was finding and installing an earlier version of the .NET 4.8 installer, linked on https://www.howto-connect.com/kb4486129-kb4486153-net-framework-4-8-build-3761-windows-10/. That version is from approx. Feb. 2019. While the Offline installer has the file filename (ndp48-x86-x64-allos-enu.exe), it is 71MB vs the 118MB of the more recent version.

The older version installed without error. After rebooting, it then updated .NET to the latest versions via Windows Update.