Check for this reg key


"HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\PendingFileRenameOperations"

If it exists backup the registry delete the key reboot and try again


Also before rebooting check for the following value as well


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ServerManager
Look for key named CurrentRebootAttempts and if >0 then change to zero.

Neither of those keys exist on the server, are there any others I can look for?

I had the same problem with my 2008 server.  I had to do a manual system update for the server.  Have it check for updates through Microsoft and when it is done installing restart the server.  That fixed my issue.

I would try updates or looking at the system update readiness tool:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821

Also take a look at your event logs to see if anything stands out.

There is one update pending KB2955164 but it won't install.

Installation Failure: Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x80070BC9: Update for Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB2955164).
 
It has a link for click for help with this error but that takes you to a window that says no results found. I'm not sure this is related to adding the role problem

This KB seems to fix quite a number of windows issues:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2955164


If you are having trouble installing, try the link I provided above for SURT.

Yea still nothing. I think there is another registry key that needs to be changed but my googlling hasn't found it

This is the link I am referring to from above:
 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821

Yes this might work for that 1 update that won't install but thats not the problem I need to work. I'm trying to add a role to the server and it keeps saying it needs to be rebooted yet even after a reboot it still says that.

The tool does not only fix issues with updates, but also correct any errors in System state.

Also your blocked update could have a reboot requirement which would block the add role option.

They don't have a hotfix on there for 2012

Do you mean the SURT or the KB you are trying to install ?

If so look at the top:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

This is what is lists on that site


Operating system      Download link
x86-based (32-bit) versions of Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 7      DownloadDownload
x64-based (64-bit) versions of Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 7      DownloadDownload
x64-based (64-bit) versions of Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1      DownloadDownload
Itanium-based versions of Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1      DownloadDownload
x86-based (32-bit) versions of Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Vista SP1      DownloadDownload
x64-based (64-bit) versions of Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Vista SP1      DownloadDownload
x86-based (32-bit)versions of Windows Server 2008 SP2      DownloadDownload
x64-based (64-bit) versions of Windows Server 2008 SP2      DownloadDownload
Itanium-based versions of Windows Server 2008 SP2

@BeCraig, This worked for Jason (@Axis52401) however,  neither your DISM solution worked for me. Like @Axis52401, there are no keys in the registry as suggested in this post.The DISM solution from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821 ran successfully/ However, the log file had a tons of Failure reports in it.

A run on installation of the Remote Access role give the same error.

Any other ideas?

@Devereaux I have the same problem on Server Essentials 2012.  Did you ever find a solution?

Hi Scot , Yes I did with a post from CSET Technologies. I meant to post but forgot.

This is the solution for when Windows Server 2012 prompts for a restart when installing WSUS or RDS etc.

PROBLEM
Adding the Remote Desktop Services role or the Windows Server Update Services role fails with the error:
The operation cannot be completed, because the server that you specified requires a restart.
Restarting the server provides no solution.

SOLUTION

The solution is to grant the 'log on as a service' right to some addition built in accounts.

gpupdate /force

Select allOpen in new window

gpupdate /force

Once updated the installation should progress smoothly

Let me know if this solutions works for you too. Windows Server OS is strange that some solutions will work for some while others it will not due to multiple errors on install.
Hope it works for you!

Best regards
Devereaux

Devereaux Harry-Barnwell comment may not have been the answer to the topic but it one of the most common fixes for this issue,

Especially if you have joined your 2012 server to a legacy domain.

Thank you sir!