June 3, 2008

SQL: Unable to install SQL Server 2005 x64 due to .NET Framework 2.0 64-bit incompatibility

Problem:
When installing SQL Server 2005 64-bit on Windows Server 2003 x64, the installation of SQL Server stops in the very beginning when SQL Server installer tries to install .NET Framework 2.0. .NET Framework 2.0 is a prerequisite for SQL Server, so the installation halts and you're unable to proceed.


Also the SQL Server installation logs (in %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Setup Bootstrap\LOG\) say things like:

Failed to install.NET Framework 2.0 E:\Servers\redist\2.0\dotnetfx.exe: (216) {t:\yukon\sql\setup\sqlcu\dll\customcomps.cpp:354}
SCU_SetupMgr::svc() caught exception: Failed to install.NET Framework 2.0 E:\Servers\redist\2.0\dotnetfx.exe: (216) {t:\yukon\sql\setup\sqlcu\dll\customcomps.cpp:354}. SetupMgr: state=ERROR, cancel_state=0, is_done=0, ActionRequired=1, NeedReboot=0, custom_props={AutoStart=true

Thoughts:
Apparently the version (still) coming with SQL Server 2005 64-bit version is not compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows.

Solution:
  1. Install .NET Framework 2.0 x64 separately (download it from Microsoft)
  2. COPY SQL Server files from DVD to hard drive
  3. RENAME the two instances of dotnetfx.exe files to anything, e.g., "dotnetfx.bak"
  4. Restart SQL Server installation (the installation will ignore .net framework routine)

7 comments:

  1. Thanks for the advice. I was running into this issue with Windows 64bit 2003 ent. Ed.
    SQL 2005 standard 64-bit. How did this pass QA?

    Sometimes we can't question the will of microsoft.

    ReplyDelete
  2. On this point:
    1. Install .NET Framework 2.0 x64 separately (download it from Microsoft)

    When I try to install .Net Framework x64 on windows 7 x64, the system notice me that the version of .Net framework is installed with the operating system. in this case, what can I do?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Raul,
    what if you skip first step and start from second step?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ok,
    1. Install windows 7 64 bits
    2. Install IIS
    3. Install VSS 2008

    When I install SQL 2005 Ent Edition (en_sql_2005_ent_x64_dvd) In the first step, installer notice me that I haven't .Net FrameWork 2.0 as the picture in post.

    Ok, I download the .net Framework for x86 and this do not is compatible, I downloaded .Net Framework 2.0 x64, but when I want to install, the sistem notice me that the .net framework is included with installation of the operating system.

    :(

    ReplyDelete
  5. Please try the steps mentioned in my article, skipping step 1, like this:
    1. SKIP THIS
    2. COPY SQL Server files from DVD to hard drive
    3. RENAME the two instances of dotnetfx.exe files to anything, e.g., "dotnetfx.bak"
    4. Restart SQL Server installation (the installation will ignore .net framework routine)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Many years later doing a SQL2005 install as part of an upgrade test for a client with some real old stuff running this still helped me - so thanks!

    ReplyDelete