: If you encounter issues during an update attempt, try deleting the Visual Studio Installer folder (typically located in %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft Visual Studio\Installer ) and then rerun the installation bootstrapper. This action resets the installer metadata and can resolve many update‑related problems.
Example:
A common issue involves the preparation executable looping indefinitely. It consumes high CPU or RAM resources during the pre-installation scan. Troubleshooting Common Errors
: Verifies that required system updates and .NET Framework versions are present.
When preparation.exe finally runs to completion, you will see the green success message: "Visual Studio 2012 Update 5 is ready to install."
When the preparation executable surfaces as a top process by CPU or disk usage, it is typically executing resource-heavy deployment routines. 1. Verification of Legacy Assemblies
To bypass interactive preparation issues:
Microsoft's official guidance for update-related issues recommends a two-step approach:
The application cross-references the Windows Registry to guarantee that a base layer of a supported Visual Studio 2012 edition is actively installed. It also checks for the mandatory .NET Framework architecture . If a required component is missing or locked by a separate Windows Update process, preparation.exe flags the conflict before a corrupted configuration state occurs. 3. Administrative Deployments & Offline Extraction
If your installation is stuck but you have a stable connection, the local cache might be the culprit.
If you downloaded the ISO, ensure it is not corrupted. Compare the SHA1 hash of your download with the official Microsoft hash. If you cannot do this, redownload the ISO using a different browser. 2. Run as Administrator Never run the installation by double-clicking. Open Command Prompt as . Navigate to your folder (e.g., cd D:\ ).
Some extensions for VS 2012 don't recognize newer "Community" naming conventions. You may need to manually uninstall legacy extensions before updating. Conclusion
You must have Administrator rights on the machine. 🚀 How to Prepare and Install