KB3168691 - Can't install Microsoft R Server (Standalone) on a Windows Server Core operating system

Applies To
SQL Server 2016 Developer - duplicate (do not use) SQL Server 2016 Enterprise - duplicate (do not use) SQL Server 2016 Standard - duplicate (do not use)

Symptoms

When you install Microsoft R Server (Standalone) on a Windows Server Core operating system in Microsoft SQL Server 2016, the installation fails. Additionally, if you try to add the stand-alone Microsoft R Server feature to an existing SQL Server 2016 installation, the add feature fails.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, use the following method:

  • Obtain the hotfix package for KB3164398 Critical update for SQL Server 2016 MSVCRT prerequisites

  • Make sure that the hotfix SQLServer2016-KB3164398-x64.exe is available on your system or a known location.

  • To install a new instance of SQL Server on Windows Server Core with the stand-alone R Server feature, install SQL Server silently from the command line:

    ...\Setup /q /ACTION=Install /IACCEPTROPENLICENSETERMS /INSTANCENAME= MSSQLSERVER /FEATURES=SQL_Shared_MR <…Remainder of your arguments>

  • To add the stand-alone R Server feature to an existing SQL Server 2016 instance:

    …\Setup /q /ACTION=AddFeature /IACCEPTROPENLICENSETERMS /INSTANCENAME= MSSQLSERVER /FEATURES=SQL_Shared_MR <…Remainder of your arguments>

For more information about how to install from the command prompt, see Install SQL Server 2016 from the Command Prompt.