vs_buildtools.exe not running in the container

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I followed the instructions to install Visual Studio Build Tools from Microsoft website. Instead of installing it into a Server Core, I installed it into a Windows Nano Server. The build appears to be successful. When I create a container from this image, I can see that vs_buildtools.exe is in the TEMP directory. However, it does not appear any directory called BuildToolsor related - it seems like it wasn't even installed. If I try to run vs_buildtools.exe again, it does not output anything and nothing changes. What am I doing wrong?

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1
kcpf On BEST ANSWER

Apparently Build Tools can only be installed if the machine has a .NET framework. Since Nanoserver does not support .NET frameworks, then the executable will not run. I installed it in Servercore, even though it is not optimal since it is heavier.

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/architecture/microservices/net-core-net-framework-containers/net-container-os-targets

0
Mark Ingram On

At the time of writing, vs_buildtools.exe is a 32-bit executable, and Nano Server only supports 64-bit executables.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/getting-started-with-nano-server

It is similar to Windows Server in Server Core mode, but significantly smaller, has no local logon capability, and only supports 64-bit applications, tools, and agents.