SQL Server Installation Guide

Introduction

This guide provides detailed instructions for installing Microsoft SQL Server on various platforms. Whether you are installing for development, testing, or production environments, understanding the installation process is crucial for a successful deployment.

SQL Server offers several editions, each tailored to specific needs, from free Express editions for small applications to enterprise editions for mission-critical workloads.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the installation, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

  • Operating System: Compatible versions of Windows Server or Windows client operating systems, or Linux.
  • Hardware: Minimum processor, memory, and disk space requirements vary by edition. Refer to the official SQL Server documentation for specific details.
  • .NET Framework: Required for certain components.
  • Network Configuration: Ensure proper network connectivity and firewall rules are in place.
Always check the latest hardware and software requirements for your specific SQL Server version and edition on the official Microsoft website.

Installation Steps (Windows)

The SQL Server installation process is typically guided by the SQL Server Installation Center. Follow these general steps:

Step 1: Download SQL Server

Download the desired SQL Server edition (e.g., Developer Edition, Express Edition) from the official Microsoft SQL Server website.

Step 2: Run the Setup Program

Locate the downloaded setup file (e.g., SQLServer2022-SSEI-Dev.exe) and run it as an administrator.

Step 3: Choose Installation Type

Select either Basic for a simple installation or Custom for more control over features and configurations. For most scenarios, the Custom installation is recommended.

Step 4: Select Features

Choose the components you wish to install, such as Database Engine Services, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, etc. The Database Engine is essential for most installations.

Step 5: Instance Configuration

Configure the instance name. You can use the default instance (MSSQLSERVER) or specify a named instance.

Step 6: Server Configuration

Specify service accounts for SQL Server services (e.g., SQL Server Agent, SQL Server Database Engine). It's recommended to use dedicated service accounts for enhanced security.

Step 7: Database Engine Configuration

Configure authentication mode (Windows Authentication or Mixed Mode), specify SQL Server administrators (adding your user account is crucial), and set Data Directories.

Step 8: Ready to Install

Review your selections and click Install. The installation process may take some time depending on the selected features and system performance.

For unattended installations, consider using command-line parameters or configuration files.

Installation Steps (Linux)

Installing SQL Server on Linux involves using package managers like apt (for Debian/Ubuntu) or yum (for Red Hat/CentOS/Fedora).

  1. Add the Microsoft repository: Follow the instructions for your specific Linux distribution.
  2. Install SQL Server: Use the package manager command, e.g.: 
    sudo apt-get install mssql-server
  3. Run mssql-conf setup: Configure the edition, accept the EULA, and set the SA password. 
    sudo /opt/mssql/bin/mssql-conf setup
  4. Verify the installation: Check the status of the SQL Server service. 
    systemctl status mssql-server
Ensure your Linux system has sufficient resources and is properly configured before attempting installation.

Post-Installation Tasks

After a successful installation, consider the following:

  • Connect to SQL Server: Use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Azure Data Studio to connect to your instance.
  • Configure Firewall: Ensure that the necessary ports (default is 1433 for TCP/IP) are open in your firewall.
  • Apply Service Packs and Updates: Keep your SQL Server installation up-to-date.
  • Configure Backups: Set up regular backups for your databases.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during installation, consult the SQL Server setup logs (located in the %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft SQL Server\160\Setup Bootstrap\Log folder on Windows) for detailed error messages.

Common issues include insufficient permissions, disk space problems, or incompatible software.

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