I have a ThinkServer with an Intel Xeon E2-1226 v3 processor and 32 gigs of RAM running Windows Server 2016 Essentials. I'm trying to set it up to run a simple web based forum and I'm attempting to install MS SQL Server 2017 Express. I've done this installation successfully several times for almost two decades, starting with Windows Server 2000 on an Access back end, to a Windows Server 2008 with MS SQL Server 2014 and now to my newest server build.
I first attempted to install MS SQL Server 2014 Express and it failed trying to install the database engine. After several failed attempts with the same result, I uninstalled 2014 and attempted to install MS SQL Server 2017 Express and I'm getting the same error no matter how many times I uninstall and reinstall. If I don't uninstall and install another instance, the installation will be complete but then I have two instances running (SQLExpress and SQLExpress01). While I could probably make this work, I'd like a single installation that works and I don't know why it will install as a second instance successfully but not a first.
Guidance would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nathan in Montana
Nathan In Montana