Can't install IE9 on 2k8R2

After installing a fresh OS (Windows Server 2008 R2 x64) and running Windows Updates for hours, it gets down to what appears to be the very last which is IE9, which fails. The only thing it can tell me is "Error Code 2 - Windows encountered an unknown error." Then it says to "get help with this error", but microsoft doesn't seem to be much help for itself nor does it explain why it can't install its own products on its own OS. I tried to download the "full" install package, which, when run, the first thing it does is go out to download the rest of the installation package. GREAT. I needed an offline package in case the connection was the issue, which it is not, apparently. Even when I run that, all it says is (after it fails), "Internet Explorer did not finish installing.", followed by a link to a troubleshooter that also does not explain anything nor offer any valid assistance or insight as to why it did not finish or an alternate method to install. I even tried to run the infamous MS 'Fixit' app, which found nothing wrong, of course. I installed .NET 4 and 3.5.1, ran further updates and then tried again with still no luck. I've rebooted over & over, with no luck. There's no link in the Control Panel to uninstall IE8. I've checked versions in the registry and in directories and it definitely is still IE8. Anyone ever have this issue? How can I resolve this and how can I at least know why it is not installing? How do I install IE( without having to rebuild the server again? All else seems perfect so far...

Install this first

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=207220

and then install the offline IE 9 setup.If that doesnt work

Try solutions given here

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_update/windows-update-error-code-2-trying-to-install/ee945c20-a8c1-4b82-9b4c-d6dfae4c5337

Error code 2 may be due to conflict with Microsoft.NET Framework 4 Client Profile

That first file I ran and got a message that it was not for the operating system. I also uninstalled/reinstalled/repaired .NET 4 and still no luck. Any other suggestions?

Download IE 9 from here

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=23332

Disconnect internet and install IE 9

After IE 9 installation completes ,restart the PC and connect to internet and download the updates for IE 9

See if it works

good luck

Unplugged the net cable, tried this and it still says "Internet Explorer did not finish installing". I'm afraid to even try a clean install of the OS because I've read that in certain cases that did not help either.

I'm afraid we have no more options.

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/astebner/archive/2006/05/30/611355.aspx

This was a start for me to resolve.

I also went in and manually removed all reg hives that had to do with IE AFTER downloading the ie9 deployment package from Micrsoft so i was not stuck without internet access besides the commandline FTP.

good luck.
Josh Borges

Try solutions given here

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_update/windows-update-error-code-2-trying-to-install/ee945c20-a8c1-4b82-9b4c-d6dfae4c5337

Didn't you try the suggestions given here?

Dotnet removal tool was one of them.

Try solutions given here

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_update/windows-update-error-code-2-trying-to-install/ee945c20-a8c1-4b82-9b4c-d6dfae4c5337

Didn't you try the suggestions given here?

Dotnet removal tool was one of them.

I was not the original asker. I was registering and saw the post so I replied.
The article you quoted i did not even read.
Lesson learned.
Josh

No problem.Thanks for sharing the fix