Unfortunately, I have not been able to start my trial of Microsoft SQL Server 2017.
a. I tried to install the Developer Edition but the custom installation process did not complete successfully.
b. When I tried a second time the installation process aborted abruptly. The Repair process also failed...( MANY GHOSTLY INSTANCES ...)
c. I then 'uninstalled' SQL Server 2017 and removed all traces of it from my computer including the registry.
d. I attempted to install the Developer edition of SQL Server 2017 again and once again it failed to complete.
e. I repeated steps c and d above and cleaned my computer thoroughly but the custom installation failed again.
f. I repeated steps c and d above and selected the Basic Installation option the basic installation failed as well.
g. I Googled all the Error Messages that I received from the installation process, searching for solutions.
h. Many people seemed to have experienced the same or similar installation problems with SQL Server 2017.
i. I upgraded my version of Windows from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 PRO ( based on the error messages)
j. This did not magically resolve the missing *.msi file problems or the unavailable specified path problems....
k. I then tried the Express Version of SQL Server 2017 but again the installation process was not successful.
l. I then tried to install the Trial Version of SQL Server 2017 and experienced yet another failure.
m. I called Microsoft Support and asked for help but my problem was beyond their training scope/competence.
n. ( MS Ticket: 1471712575 ) I was transferred to the commercial section who were unable to help me.
WHAT IS PREVENTING SQL SERVER 2017 FROM INSTALLING CORRECTLY AND COMPLETELY ON MY COMPUTER?
A. Missing Microsoft *.msi files?
B. Missing Microsoft SDK files?
C. Mysterious Missing Specified Paths?
D. The Windows Firewall ( Warning received )?
E. AntiVirus / AntiMalware Applications?
BTW MySQL from Oracle installs perfectly.
I have never experienced such a problematic installation failure
Jon Dickens