SQL Server Installation – Error while enabling Windows feature NetFx3

The Problem

When installing SQL Server 2012 on a Windows Server 8.1 VHD, the following error occurs:

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Setup
The following error has occurred:
Error while enabling Windows feature: NetFx3,
Error Code: -2146498298, Please try enabling
Windows feature: NetFx3 from Windows management
tools and then run setup again. For more
information on how to enable Windows features,
see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=227143

Solution

Enable .NET Framework 3.5 from the Command Prompt (Run as administrator) using the following command:

dism /online
     /enable-feature
     /featurename:NetFx3
     /source:d:\sources\sxs

My Windows 8.1 install disc was mounted on D: drive.  Change this accordingly to match your environment.