SSMS Installation Failure. Win11

Other SQL Server Topics
1

I tried to install SSMS. First the latest 20.2 and got setup failed. It said to restart computer first. I did, same result. I went with 19.3. Same result. Fatal error during installation (0x80070643) I can give info from log file if that will help. I looked up the error number and it shows Windows Update Error, which makes no sense for the context. What is wrong? Thanks, Jon

2

If you're facing an installation failure of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) on Windows 11, here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the issue:

1. Check System Requirements:

  • Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for installing SSMS on Windows 11.
  • Windows 11 should be updated to the latest version, as some older versions may cause compatibility issues.

2. Run as Administrator:

  • Right-click the SSMS installation file and choose Run as Administrator to avoid permission issues during the installation.

3. Disable Antivirus/Firewall:

  • Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software, as they might block certain components during the installation.

4. Clear Previous Installations:

  • If SSMS partially installed, or if an older version exists, it might cause conflicts.
  • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program, and look for any SSMS installations. Uninstall them and restart your computer.
  • Delete the leftover files from:
    • C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 18\
    • C:\Users\<Your Username>\AppData\Local\Temp\

5. Check Installation Logs:

  • Review the SSMS installation logs to find specific error codes or messages that can guide troubleshooting.
  • The logs are located at: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\SQL Server\

6. Install SQL Server Native Client:

  • Download and install the latest SQL Server Native Client from Microsoft's website as SSMS depends on it. You can try installing it first, then SSMS.

7. Windows Update & .NET Framework:

  • Ensure that Windows Update is up to date.
  • SSMS requires .NET Framework 4.8 or higher. Install the latest version of .NET Framework if it’s not installed.

8. Use Command-Line Installation:

  • Try installing SSMS via the command line for better error reporting:
    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
    • Run the following command:

bash

Copy code

SSMS-Setup-ENU.exe /log log.txt
  • This will create a log file with more detailed information about the failure.

9. Check Disk Space:

  • Ensure there’s enough free disk space on your C: drive to accommodate SSMS and any dependencies.

10. Install SSMS via Microsoft Store:

  • Alternatively, try installing SSMS via the Microsoft Store, as it sometimes handles dependencies and installation errors more smoothly.

If none of these steps work, providing the exact error message from the logs can help pinpoint the issue further.

3

Thank you. 2,3,6 seem like the most likely issues. I will check out your list.
Jon

4

SQL Server Native Client is deprecated and no longer distributed with or required by SQL Server or SSMS. Looks like Copilot is scraping the wrong web pages.

5

Thanks, @ SqlHippo. I will skip 6. Maybe I will try 8. I have looked up how to disable firewall and AV, and the log file may tell me more if it still fails.
Jon

6

@SqlHippo and @markcesene:
I checked uninstall and there was no hint of anything that I could recognize as SSMS.
I disabled the firewall and the AV. I Opened the cmd prompt as administrator and ran the SSMS install, which still failed.
Here are the last 3 lines of the log file:
[4F3C:5114][2024-09-05T15:23:21]i410: Variable: WixBundleVersion = 19.3.4.0
[4F3C:5114][2024-09-05T15:23:21]i410: Variable: YesText = Yes
[4F3C:5114][2024-09-05T15:23:21]i007: Exit code: 0x643, restarting: No

Any idea what it means?
Thanks, Jon

7

Try restarting your computer, waiting a minute or two in case any previous installers need to finish up, then restart again.
Then try to install SSMS.
If that doesn't work, see if you have any SQL Server ODBC drivers installed under "Add or Remove Programs". You may either need to install them or reinstall them.

8

Thank you @SqlHippo

Try restarting your computer, waiting a minute or two in case any previous installers need to finish up, then restart again.
Then try to install SSMS.
Already tried.
see if you have any SQL Server ODBC drivers installed
Yep: Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server
You may either need to install them or reinstall them.
Okay. I clicked your link and downloaded the msi and overwrote the identical msi already present. I ran it after turning off AV and firewall. It gave me modify, repair, or remove. I chose repair. It gave me setup interrupted, and your computer has not been modified.