A Complete Guide - SQL Server Installation Steps

Top 10 Questions and Answers: SQL Server Installation Steps

1. What are the system requirements before installing SQL Server?

Answer: Before installing SQL Server, it's crucial to ensure your system meets the necessary requirements. These include:

• Operating System: Windows 10, 11; Windows Server 2016, 2019, or later versions.
• Processor: Minimum 1 GHz x86 or x64 processor with 4 GB of RAM (recommended 16 GB for production systems).
• Disk Space: Varies based on the installation features chosen. For a default install, you need approximately 6 GB of disk space.
• System Architecture: x64-based architecture is required.
• .NET Framework: A version compatible with your SQL Server version must be installed.
• SQL Server Version Compatibility: Ensure you have the correct version for your needs—Standard, Enterprise, Developer, etc.

2. How do I check if my machine meets the prerequisites before starting the SQL Server installation?

Answer: Use the SQL Server Installation Center’s Preinstallation Check feature. Launch the SQL Server Installation Center from Start Menu -> SQL Server Installation Center then select Tools -> Preinstallation Check. This process will evaluate your system against critical installation prerequisites and suggest any missing components.

3. What are the different installation modes in SQL Server?

Answer: SQL Server provides multiple installation modes suited for diverse scenarios:

• Basic Installation: Installs default services and features, suitable for beginners.
• Typical Installation: Offers standard set-up with many common features.
• Custom Installation: Lets users choose specific components to install, ideal for experienced users.
• Advanced Settings: Allows configuration during setup, including file location customization.

Understanding each mode helps determine which best suits your environment and experience level.

4. How do I create a new instance of SQL Server during installation?

Answer: During the Custom installation mode, you can create a new instance:

• Open the SQL Server Installation Center, go to Installation -> New SQL Server stand-alone installation.
• In the Instance Configuration page, select Named instance and provide an instance name.
• Alternatively, select Default instance to install it as MSSQLSERVER, the default instance of SQL Server.
• Proceed with the installation settings as per your requirement.

Creating named instances is beneficial in environments where multiple SQL Server instances are needed.

5. Can I install SQL Server without creating an instance?

Answer: No, SQL Server cannot be installed without creating an instance. Every SQL Server installation requires at least one instance—either a default instance (MSSQLSERVER) or a named instance. This instance serves as the logical entity running the SQL Server services, handling connections, data storage, and processing tasks.

6. What is a service account and why is it used during SQL Server installation?

Answer: A service account is a user account that SQL Server services run under. It’s crucial because:

• Security: Ensures that SQL Server services run under an account with the minimum necessary privileges, enhancing security.
• Delegation: Simplifies the use of delegation for linked servers and distributed queries.
• Isolation: Prevents conflicts between SQL Server instances or other applications that might share the same server.

You can configure service accounts during the installation in the Server Configuration step.

7. How do I specify the TCP/IP port number for SQL Server?

Answer: To specify the TCP/IP port number:

• During installation, open the Server Configuration dialog.
• Go to the SQL Server Network Configuration section.
• Select Protocols for MSSQLSERVER (or your instance’s protocol if named).
• Right-click TCP/IP, and then click Properties.
• Navigate to the IP Addresses tab, and scroll down to the IPAll section.
• Change the TCP Port to your desired port number.

Alternatively, after installation, you can change the port number via SQL Server Configuration Manager or manually edit the registry. Remember to update firewall rules and client configurations accordingly.

8. How do I configure SQL Server for remote access?

Answer: Configuring SQL Server for remote access involves several steps:

• Enable TCP/IP: Navigate to SQL Server Configuration Manager, go to SQL Server Network Configuration -> Protocols for MSSQLSERVER and enable TCP/IP.
• Configure Firewall: Ensure the firewall allows traffic on the SQL Server port (default 1433). Modify rules as needed.
• Server Configuration Changes:
  • Open SQL Server Management Studio.
  • Right-click on your server in the left pane and select Properties then Connections.
  • Check Allow remote connections to this server.
  • In SQL Server Configuration Manager, under SQL Server Services, restart the SQL Server Service to apply changes.

Testing connectivity using a tool like Telnet can help verify remote access.

9. What are the steps to add more features after the SQL Server has been initially installed?

Answer: If you missed installing extra features during initial setup, you can add them by using the Add Features Mode:

• Launch the SQL Server Installation Center.
• Select Installation -> Add Features to an Existing Instance.
• Choose the existing instance you wish to modify.
• Proceed through the wizard, selecting the additional features you need (like Integration Services, Reporting Services, etc.)
• Follow the prompts to complete the installation of new components.

Ensure that you have backed up your current SQL Server installation before making modifications.

10. How do I handle errors during SQL Server installation?

Answer: Handling errors during installation is important:

• Read Error Messages: Carefully read the error messages provided during installation to understand what went wrong.
• Check Summary Log: After setup failure, locate the Summary.txt file typically found in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\150\Setup Bootstrap\Log\<timestamp> directory.
• Review Preinstallation Logs: Look for any warnings or errors related to the preinstallation check logs.
• Correct Issues: Based on the logs, correct the issues such as disk space allocation, incompatible OS versions, or missing dependencies.
• Restart SQL Server Setup: Once the issues are resolved, re-launch the SQL Server Installation Center and retry the installation process.

If persistent, consulting Microsoft support or community forums can provide additional guidance.