Hi Joyce
Further to my initial reply, I have now attempted to install each component individually by using the files extracted during the FPSMC.msi installer. The process used:
1) Enable all functions of the .NET Framework 3.5 through Server Manager - SUCCESSFUL;
2) Install Microsoft Chart Controls for .NET Framework 3.5 - SUCCESSFUL;
3) Install Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (included in the FPSMC.msi installer; extracted during MSI install) - this indicates known issues with Server 2012 R2. I progress the install despite this warning which installs all required SQL 2008 Express components.
All functions ticked and installed - SUCCESSFUL (errors);
4) Install FPSMC using the MSI installer - this leads to the same issue (Install required components (Microsoft Windows Optional Components) - endless loop) - FAILED;
5) Install FPSMC.exe (included in the FPSMC.msi installer; extracted during MSI install) which takes you directly to the EULA. This fails with "Cannot connect to IIS";
6) Enable Web Server (IIS) through Server Manager - no additional components selected - SUCCESSFUL;
7) Repeat step 4 above - FAILED;
8) Repeat step 5 above - FAILED;
9) Enable all non-standard Web Server (IIS) functions and also all non-standard .NET Framework 3.5 & 4.5 functions through Server Manager - SUCCESSFUL;
10) Repeat step 4 above - FAILED;
11) Repeat step 5 above - this fails with "A program run as part of the setup did not finish as expected..." - FAILED.
I'd be keen to understand what other components should also be installed so this can be drafted into a deployment plan.
Thanks!