How to install Jenkins on Windows Server 2012

You need to install .net 3.5 (Even if you have .net 4+ installed)

You do this through the Server Manager:

• Configure local server
• Add roles and features
• Click next until you get to the features section
• Check the .net 3.5 check box (I also checked the sub items for good measure)
• If you get a warning about needing to Specify an alternate path, then:
  • Insert your windows installation media.
  • Click Specify an alternate source path
  • Put D:\sources\sxs in the path field (click Ok)
• Click Install

Once you have done this you should be able to install Jenkins through the msi installer. It will be able to successfully start the Jenkins service now.

I think Jenkins tries to install .net 3.5, but because the install media was 'missing' it hangs (as it is running in the background) and that is why it actually times out

I've done it finally!

Not only did I need to install .NET 3.5 (Thankyou DarcyThomas) but I also found out that I needed to add a configuration file to the installation directory as well.

Add a file called jenkins.exe.config with the following contents to the installation directory:

<configuration> 
  <runtime> 
     <generatePublisherEvidence enabled="false"/> 
  </runtime> 
</configuration> 

It turns out that when starting the service, Windows tries to hit the internet to download a certificate to confirm the signer of the executable. So in my case where the server does not have internet access, it fails. I found the solution here.

I hope this saves everyone else the hours of pain I've just been through. Cheers.

I found a solution based on this answer by Jan The issue is that Windows is looking for the certificate for the service and your server does not have access to the Internet. Your best option is to enable Internet access to the server for the installation of Jenkins. You wont need it once Jenkins is installed.

You could also try to disable certificate checking this way (though I'm unsure if this will work.)

1) Create the directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\Jenkins

2) Create a text file named jenkins.exe.config

3) Add the following text to the text file:

<configuration> 
  <runtime> 
     <generatePublisherEvidence enabled="false"/> 
  </runtime> 
</configuration>

4) Run setup as an Administrator