How to install or remove roles and characteristics to the server without it failing

Question

Hello.I'm new in the forum and i need some help.
I have an hp pc with windows server 2012 in it since 2014.i need to create an vpn but its impossible for me to do it because every time i want to add or remove a role or characteristic the pc "freezes"and in the installer only appears "initiating installation'.The pc doesnt freeze completely but the installer can stay like that for weeks or months without any changes.
Although i have been around computers my whole life, and i have done lots of vpn in windows consumer pcs i am unable to figure out whats wrong with this server.
Sorry for my english, as it has rusted a little bit since secondary school.

Answer 1

Sounds like things a broken, some things to try;

• sfc /scannow
• dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
• reset windows update https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/windows-update-resources#reset-windows-update-components-manually
• repair install by running setup.exe from the root of install media
• stand up a new one, patch fully, migrate roles over.

--please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

Just to check if the above reply could be of help, if yes, you may mark useful reply as answer, if not, welcome to feedback.

Best regards,
Sylvia