Windows 10: uninstall .net framework 3.5 Error code: 0x80073701

Initially, I noticed:

2019-12 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1909 for x64-based Systems KB4530684

was failing to install:
There were problems installing some updates, but we'll try again later.

2019-12 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1909 for x64-based Systems KB4530684 - Error 0x800f0831


My attempts to fix this problem have all failed. These are the steps I've taken so far:

C:\WINDOWS\system32>sfc /scannow

Beginning system scan. This process will take some time.

Beginning verification phase of system scan.
Verification 100% complete.

Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.

C:\WINDOWS\system32>dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
Version: 10.0.18362.1

Image Version: 10.0.18363.476

[==========================100.0%==========================]
Error: 0x800f081f

The source files could not be found.
Use the "Source" option to specify the location of the files that are required to restore the feature. For more information on specifying a source location, see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=243077.

The DISM log file can be found at C:\WINDOWS\Logs\DISM\dism.log


I confirmed .net framework 3.5 was installed, and I then installed all the parts of 3.5. This worked too, and instead of a black checkbox, it became a black checkmark in the .net framework 3.5.

I also confirmed .net framework 4.8 was installed.


After days of trying various fix methods, I stumbled upon an article that suggested:
1. uninstalling .net framework 4.8

2. uninstalling .net framework 3.5

3. installing .net framework 3.5

4. installing .net framework 4.8

I uninstalled .net framework 4.8, but when I tried to uninstall .net framework 3.5, I get an error:

Windows couldn't complete the requested changes.
The referenced assembly could not be found.

Error code: 0x80073701

Tell me how to solve this problem



Nothing I look for talks about how to fix this error when UNInstalling .net framework 3.5 -- they all talk about installing, and lay out careful instructions about where to get the .net framework 3.5 to install... but, the problem is I can't uninstall it, and I suspect this means I can't install it either because it's already installed.


What else can I do?

:)

 

Unable to download any framework for .net - (error code 0x80070002)

OK, the Windows 10 Feature installation method should have been straightforward, but since that errored out as well, something else seems to be going on with your Windows, so wait for somebody with more experience to suggest a way out.

In the mean time, if you haven't already, you could give muchomurka's suggestion a go as well with the elevated prompt and an install media to see if it works. The following link shows the detailed steps involved.

Offline install of .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 10 using DISM

 

.NET Framework 3.5 error 0x80073701


So i'm getting error 0x80073701 when i'm trying to install .net framework 3.5 throught install. When i'm trying to install offline(throught windows disk), i'm getting same error text as installing normally. Here it is :

The referenced assembly could not be found.
Offline installer error : 14081

I tried it many times, always the SAME error.

Help me please *Wink

 

.Net Framework Error

I'm not sure why you would like to uninstall .Net Framework 3.5 in Windows 7, as it is a core part of the system (for example, Media Center depends on it and many more applicatioins). But anyway... First, uncheck it in "Turn Windows features on or off". This will not uninstall it completely. Then you can run this tool: .NET Framework Cleanup Tool

P.S. Just out of curiosity - why do you want to uninstall it?