I can't open SQL Server 2017 Setup.exe file

JedgeJerson 1 Reputation point
2022-07-13T04:00:08.583+00:00

I just uninstalled my existing SQL server 2017 but this happened when I tried to re-install it. I might've incorrectly uninstalled something or uninstalled a built-in software of my OS. I have no idea how to repair this, I already searched about this but I can't seem to find a solution.

220160-sqlexe-error.png

SQL Server | Other
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4 answers

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  1. Dillon Silzer 57,826 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2022-07-13T05:00:40.803+00:00

    1: Try and uninstall from Control Panel > Add/Remove Program

    See if it is visible in there and try and remove the SQL Server 2017 program (if it appears).

    Cited from https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/office/en-US/0a04e80e-491a-4be7-b151-fc56947447e8/blank-error-messagebox-displayed-at-startup?forum=sqltools

    2: Try running the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30135

    Cited from https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/sqlserver/en-US/9430d5cc-a66b-4fe9-aaba-979a337d82b4/setupexe-throws-blank-error-message?forum=sqlsetupandupgrade

    3: Try removing or renaming any folders of older/left over folders.

    Example: Rename the old left-over folders if any as
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\13
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSAS13.MSSQLSERVER
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSRS13.MSSQLSERVER
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL13.MSSQLSERVER
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\130
    to
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\130_Old
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSAS13.MSSQLSERVER_Old
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSRS13.MSSQLSERVER_Old
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL13.MSSQLSERVER_Old
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\130_Old

    Also cited from https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/sqlserver/en-US/9430d5cc-a66b-4fe9-aaba-979a337d82b4/setupexe-throws-blank-error-message?forum=sqlsetupandupgrade

    4: Check for any processes that are hanging before you run the setup.exe and make sure you right click and Run As Administrator

    the problem was solved and the setup started when I tried to end all running tasks in task manager

    Cited from https://stackoverflow.com/questions/58265059/sql-server-2017-developer-setup-failed-giving-blank-error

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  2. Olaf Helper 47,436 Reputation points
    2022-07-13T05:13:47.813+00:00

    Please View and Read SQL Server Setup Log Files for more details; that screenshot is simply useless.

    0 comments No comments

  3. Erland Sommarskog 121.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2022-07-13T21:02:50.637+00:00

    If all that happens when you click Setup.EXE I would suspect damaged download media. Delete what you have and download anew.

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  4. CathyJi-MSFT 22,396 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2022-07-14T03:17:17.147+00:00

    Hi @JedgeJerson ,

    Please delete your SQL 2017 setup package, then download SQL server 2017 installation package again from this link. Then run the setup as administrator. If it is still not work, please share us the SQL server setup log for analysis, or share us the error information from windows event.

    In addition, SQL server 2019 is the latest version of SQL server, suggest you using it, you can download SQL server 2019 setup from this link.


    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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