SQL Server 2022 install fails with error 'The service cannot be started'

Question

Installation of SQL Server 2022 (Dev Edition) fails on windows 10 machine. Have been searching for a solution all day, but nothing has come up. Please help!

Relevant details from log file are attached

Detail.txt

Summary_craig-PC_20230523_152204.txt

ERRORLOG-3.txt

ERRORLOG-4.txt

Answer 1

Hi,

I'd be happy to help you out with your question. Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

The error message you encountered indicates that the SQL Server service cannot be started during the installation process. This can happen due to various reasons, such as disabled services or missing dependencies. Let's go through some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the problem:

1. Check Windows Services: To begin, open the Services management console by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "services.msc," and pressing Enter. Look for the SQL Server service, usually named "SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER)," and ensure that it is not disabled. If it is disabled, right-click on the service, select Properties, change the startup type to "Automatic," and then try the installation again.
2. Check SQL Server dependencies: The SQL Server service relies on specific system components to function properly. It's important to verify that these dependencies are enabled and functioning correctly. Some of the crucial dependencies include "SQL Server VSS Writer," "SQL Server Active Directory Helper," and "SQL Server Browser." To find these dependencies, right-click on the SQL Server service, select Properties, and navigate to the Dependencies tab.
3. Run installation as administrator: It's essential to run the SQL Server installation as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the setup.exe file and select "Run as administrator" to elevate the installation process with the necessary privileges.
4. Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall: Antivirus or firewall software can sometimes interfere with the installation process. Temporarily disable these security tools and attempt the installation again.
5. Clean boot: Performing a clean boot allows you to start Windows with minimal services and startup programs, eliminating any conflicting software that might be causing the issue. You can find instructions on how to perform a clean boot on Microsoft's support site.
6. Review installation logs: It would be helpful to examine the SQL Server installation logs for more specific error information. In your case, the log folder is located at "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\160\Setup Bootstrap\Log\20230522_134340." Look for any error messages or exceptions that might provide insight into the root cause of the issue.

If the above steps do not resolve the problem, you can try uninstalling any existing SQL Server components on your machine and then perform a fresh installation. Additionally, make sure that your Windows operating system is up to date with the latest patches and updates.

For more Information, please refer to following resources :-

Repair a Failed SQL Server Installation - https://learn.microsoft.com/sql/database-engine/install-windows/repair-a-failed-sql-server-installation?view=sql-server-ver16

If you have any other questions or need assistance with anything, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm here to help.

If the reply was helpful, please don’t forget to upvote or accept as answer, thank you.

Answer 2

First, please keep in mind that since I don't have access to your machine, I don't have a complete overview of the situation.

Next, I guess the error about the service not be able to start is that it for some reason was set to Disabled. (A service in Windows can be Automatic, Manual or Disabled. You cannot start a disabled service.) Now, why it would be in that state - do you happen to have any green men in your machine? :--)

But since SQL Server seems to start, maybe there is some hope. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager (SSCM) and double-click the service. Find the tab Startup Parameters, and add -m. Stop Agent and restart SQL Server, which now will start in single-user mode.

Connect through SQLCMD. Run:

CREATE LOGIN "CRAIG-PC\YourUserName" FROM WINDOWS
ALTER SERVER ROLE sysadmin ADD MEMBER "CRAIG-PC\YourUserName"

After this, go into SSCM and remove the -m option again and restart SQL Server once more.

I am not sure that everything will be in order at this time, but maybe you will be able to limp along.