Select the product you need help with

Error message when you try to install SQL Server Express or SQL Server Express Edition or SQL Server Express Edition with Advanced Services: "The SQL Server service failed to start"

Article ID: 920114 - View products that this article applies to.

Bug #: 451014 (SQLBUDT)

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition or Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition with Advanced Services, you receive the following error message:

The SQL Server service failed to start. For more information, see the SQL Server Books Online topics, "How to: View SQL Server 2005 Setup Log Files" and "Starting SQL Server Manually."

When you examine the SQL Server error log, you receive the following error message:

Starting up database 'mssqlsystemresource'.
Error: 15209, Severity: 16, State: 1.
An error occurred during encryption.

For more information about how to view the SQL Server error log, visit the following Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web site:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187885.aspx

(http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187885.aspx)

This problem may occur when you try to install SQL Server Express Edition or SQL Server Express Edition with Advanced Services on a Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)-based computer.

Back to the top | Give Feedback

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the Network Service account does not have permissions on the following folder:

C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Application Data\Microsoft\Protect

Back to the top | Give Feedback

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, grant the Network Service account the Full Control permission on the Protect folder. To do this, follow these steps:

Open My Computer.
Type C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Application Data\Microsoft in the address bar, and then press ENTER.
Right-click the Protect folder, and then click Properties.
In the folder Properties dialog box, click the Security tab.
Under Group or user names, determine whether NETWORK SERVICE is listed. If NETWORK SERVICE is not listed, follow these steps to add this account:
1. Click Add to show the Select Users or Groups dialog box.
2. Click Locations, select your computer name in the Locations dialog box, and then click OK to return to the Select Users or Groups dialog box.
3. Type Network Service in the Enter the object names to select box, and then click Check Names.
4. Click OK to close the Select Users or Groups dialog box.
Click NETWORK SERVICE under Group or user names, and then click to select the Allow check box for Full Control under Permissions for NETWORK SERVICE.
Click OK to close the folder Properties dialog box.
Click Retry in the error message dialog box to continue to install SQL Server Express Edition or SQL Server Express Edition with Advanced Services.