Failed to install Microsoft Sql server latest version.

Ranjan Majumder 0 Reputation points
2026-08-26T12:37:14.7466667+00:00

I have bought a laptop named ASUS gaming TUF A15. I am trying to install SQL server latest version but failed every time. I contacted ASUS for this. They said this is a third-party application. they are not responsible for this. You need to connect Microsoft.

I am also attaching the screenshot.

Please help me that I can save my job. I am not able to practice.

SQL Server Database Engine

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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-26T12:37:36.8566667+00:00

    Wait on the Database Engine recovery handle failed is a generic setup error that usually means the SQL Server service did not start during setup. On ASUS TUF A15 systems, the context points to a known issue where Windows can report disk sector sizes that SQL Server does not handle correctly, which can lead to messages about 256 misaligned log I/Os or LocalDB/engine startup failures.

    Use this path:

    1. Open the SQL Server error log from the failed install.
      • For SQL Server 2022 Express, check: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL16.SQLEXPRESS\MSSQL\LOG\ERRORLOG
      • If installing SQL Server 2025, the Q&A context indicates changing 16 to 17.
    2. Look in ERRORLOG for messages like:
      • There have been 256 misaligned log IOs...
      • sector-size related errors
      • Wait on the Database Engine recovery handle failed
    3. If the log shows misaligned log I/O or sector-size errors, follow the Microsoft workaround article for disk sector size issues. The context specifically points to that article as the recommended fix for ASUS TUF A15 installation failures.
    4. If LocalDB or database files were moved and the log shows a message like the file was formatted with one sector size and is now on a volume with a larger sector size, move the file to a volume with a sector size that is the same as or smaller than the original sector size.
    5. Before retrying setup, make sure there is no pending restart. For SQL Server 2022 or later on newer Windows Server versions, the guidance is to restart Windows first if a restart is pending. Restarting is also called out in related installation guidance when changes need to take effect.
    6. If setup media might be damaged, download the SQL Server image again and rerun setup. If installing from a network location, copy the media to a local drive and run setup from there.
    7. If the installation still fails, collect setup logs for support:
      • Download the log collection tool from https://aka.ms/vscollect
      • Open an administrative command prompt
      • Run collect.exe
      • The tool creates vslogs.zip in %TEMP%
    8. If the issue is specifically with SSMS rather than the Database Engine, and the error mentions ODBC Driver 17 or a reboot requirement, uninstall Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server from Control Panel > Programs and Features, restart if prompted, and then install the latest SSMS again.

    Important: avoid registry changes unless following the documented workaround exactly, and restart Windows afterward because changes may not take effect until after a reboot.

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