Installing SQL Server 2019 from an ISO file can seem intimidating at first, but with the right guidance, it can be a smooth and straightforward process. In this article, I will walk you through the steps I followed to successfully install SQL Server 2019 using an ISO file. I’ll also provide personal insights and tips along the way.
Step 1: Obtain the SQL Server 2019 ISO File
The first step is to download the SQL Server 2019 ISO file from the official Microsoft website or an authorized source. Make sure to choose the correct edition (e.g., Developer, Express, Standard, etc.) based on your needs. It’s crucial to download the ISO file from a trusted source to ensure you’re getting a legitimate and unaltered copy.
Once the download is complete, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Mount the ISO File
To install SQL Server 2019 from an ISO file, you need to mount it as a virtual drive. This allows you to access the contents of the ISO file as if it were a physical disk. Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016/2019 have built-in tools for mounting ISO files.
To mount the ISO file, simply right-click on it and select “Mount.” You will see a new virtual drive created in your file explorer, and its contents will be accessible.
Step 3: Run the SQL Server Installation
Now that the ISO file is mounted, navigate to the virtual drive, and open the “Setup.exe” file to begin the SQL Server installation process. You may be prompted to run the installer as an administrator, depending on your system settings. It’s always a good idea to run installation programs with administrative privileges to avoid any potential issues.
Once the installer starts, it will present you with various installation options. Here, you can choose the edition, features, and other customizations according to your requirements. Take your time to review and select the appropriate configuration for your needs.
At this point, I highly recommend selecting the option to check for updates during the installation process. This ensures that you have the latest bug fixes and security patches applied to your SQL Server installation.
Step 4: Accept the License Terms
Before proceeding, you will be presented with the license terms for SQL Server 2019. Take the time to read through the terms and conditions carefully. If you agree to them, check the box indicating your acceptance and click “Next” to continue.
Step 5: Choose the Installation Type
The next step is to select the installation type. SQL Server provides different options such as New SQL Server stand-alone installation, Add features to an existing instance, or Install SQL Server failover cluster. Choose the appropriate installation type based on your requirements.
Step 6: Specify Instance Configuration
In this step, you need to specify the instance name and instance ID for your SQL Server installation. The instance name is the unique identifier for your SQL Server instance, while the instance ID is a numeric representation of the instance.
If you’re installing SQL Server as a default instance, you can leave the instance name field blank. However, if you’re installing it as a named instance, provide a unique name that reflects the purpose or function of the instance.
You can also specify the instance root directory and the shared features directory in this step. It’s generally recommended to keep the default values unless you have specific requirements.
Step 7: Configure Server Features
In the Server Configuration section, you can select which SQL Server features you want to install. Here, you can choose the Database Engine Services, SQL Server Replication, Full-Text and Semantic Extractions for Search, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, and more.
Select the features that align with your needs and click “Next” to proceed.
Step 8: Specify Server Configuration
In the Server Configuration section, you can specify the service accounts and collation settings for your SQL Server installation. The service accounts determine the Windows accounts under which the SQL Server services run.
For most scenarios, the default service accounts work fine. However, if you have specific security requirements, you can configure custom service accounts.
The collation settings define the sort order and character set used for the database. It’s important to choose the correct collation based on your language and regional preferences.
Step 9: Configure Database Engine Authentication
In the Database Engine Configuration section, you can choose between Windows Authentication Mode and Mixed Mode (Windows Authentication and SQL Server Authentication). Windows Authentication Mode leverages Windows accounts for authentication, while Mixed Mode allows both Windows and SQL Server logins.
Choose the authentication mode that best suits your environment and security policies. If you select Mixed Mode, you need to provide a strong password for the built-in “sa” account.
Step 10: Complete the Installation
After configuring the necessary settings, the installer will perform a final check to validate the installation configuration. If everything looks good, click “Install” to begin the installation process.
The installation process may take some time, depending on your system’s speed and the selected installation options. It’s normal for the installation progress to go through various stages, including copying files, configuring settings, and installing features.
Once the installation completes successfully, you will see a confirmation message. Take a moment to review any additional steps or post-installation tasks recommended by the installer.
Conclusion
Installing SQL Server 2019 from an ISO file requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully install SQL Server 2019 and start leveraging its powerful capabilities.
Remember, always download ISO files from trusted sources and ensure that you have the necessary licenses to use SQL Server 2019. Take advantage of the customization options available during the installation process to tailor SQL Server to your specific requirements.
Now that you have SQL Server 2019 up and running, you can explore its vast array of features and functionalities to unlock the full potential of your data management and analysis tasks.