Error when trying to delete SQL Server and SSMS

Question

Since i created 4 instances of the database engine, I decided to delete 3 of them since they are redundant to me. I could not delete them since i have already deleted related files to them and the automatic deletion could not work. After that i deleted SQL Server and the SSMS, killed all the processes, went into the registry editor, deleted some SQL related stuff there (i do not know whether i deleted everything) and now i am getting this text in the summary file:

Configuration file: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\160\Setup Bootstrap\Log\20240910_013713\ConfigurationFile.ini Detailed results: Feature: Database Engine Services Status: Failed Reason for failure: An error occurred during the setup process of the feature. Next Step: Use the following information to resolve the error, and then try the setup process again. Component name: SQL Server Database Engine Services Instance Features Component error code: 1639 Component log file: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\160\Setup Bootstrap\Log\20240910_013713\sql_engine_core_inst_Cpu64_1.log Error description: Invalid command line argument. Consult the Windows Installer SDK for detailed command line help. Error help link: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?LinkId=20476&ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&EvtSrc=setup.rll&EvtID=50000&ProdVer=16.0.1000.6&EvtType=sql_engine_core_inst.msi%400x162A16FE%400x1639 Rules with failures or warnings: Global rules: Warning IsFirewallEnabled The Windows Firewall is enabled. Make sure the appropriate ports are open to enable remote access. See the rules documentation at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2162127 for information about ports to open for each feature. Rules report file: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\160\Setup Bootstrap\Log\20240910_013713\SystemConfigurationCheck_Report.htm

here is the photo:
errorSQL.jpg

Answer 1

After that i deleted SQL Server and the SSMS, killed all the processes, went into the registry editor, deleted some SQL related stuff there

That was a very bad idea.

Never "delete" anything, use the installation media for a clean uninstall.

Never manipulate registry.

You crashed your system.

Answer 2

Since the computer was new, i just reset it :). I did not go into the same iterative process over and over: reset the PC, downloaded everything as it has to be downloaded and all works. If i was with an older computer, idk what i would do. Thanks for the answers!

Answer 3

Hi @Georgi Atanasov

Please follow the below steps to remove all components of previous installed SQL Server completely:

Remove all SQL Server components from 'Programs and Features'

Backup the registry

Delete the following keys in regedit:

--HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server

--HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MSSQLServer

Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall and delete all the sub-keys referencing SQL Server

Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services and delete all the keys referencing SQL Server

Reboot the machine

In addition, please use an administrator account to reinstall SQL Server (Right click->run as administrator).

You'd better disable your anti-virus software and firewall before installation. Also, it is recommended that you install in the default location.

Best regards,

Cosmog

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