Microsoft SQL Server Repair Installation

Summary: SQL Server install, SQL repair install, repair install, repair, install, SQL Server corruption, SQL corruption

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Symptoms

Issue: The SQL installation we’re working with has become corrupt preventing the basic functions and features of SQL Server from working as expected.

When the program application binary files of a SQL Server installation become corrupted one of the following options must be followed to ensure a stable working environment for the SQL Server installation.

  1. Perform a new installation of Server and restore SQL Server databases
  2. Move production databases to another like installation of SQL Server
  3. Perform a repair installation of the corrupted SQL Server instance retaining existing Databases  

This article follows the steps involved in performing a SQL Server repair installation.

Cause

Software corruption of SQL Server application and database files.

Resolution

Installation Process:  

1. Go to the Start Menu of the SQL program group for the instance we are attempting to repair.  Find the "Installation Center" selection on the start menu and open that up.  This example involves SQL Server 2017 and this process is the same for all supported versions of Microsoft SQL Server.
View of SQL Server Installation Center as it is seen on the Microsoft SQL Server Start Menu
2. Next click on the "Maintenance" section in left hand portion of palate.  Find "Repair" in selection list on right side and select.

Location of "repair" option in the Maintenance section of Microsoft SQL Server Installation center
3. In the "Browse For Folder" window find the SQL Server mounted drive as a media source.  The media must match the version of the SQL Server instance we are repairing. Click on the media source to begin the Setup program.
Browse function available to find Microsoft SQL Server installation media for SQL Server repair operation
4. On Servers with multiple installations of SQL Server the Instance requiring repair must be selected from the list of registered SQL Server instances. In example below it is "MSSQLSERVER".
Picking the SQL Server Instance that needs to be repaired
5. The "Ready to Repair" screen will display the program features originally installed.  Select "Repair" button to begin the repair installation.
Selecting the "Repair" option to begin the repair installation
6. "Repair Progress" panel returns installation information.
SQL Server repair operation progress screen
7. Last screen seen reports installation results and should have written a new set of application binaries for the SQL Server instance installation.
Selection screen to define the features that need to be repaired
8. After a successful repair installation, the latest SQL Server cumulative updates should be applied insuring that program binary files will match the versions of SQL Server databases contained under the SQL Server instance.  

Affected Products

Dell Quickstart Data Warehouse Appliance, Prosupport for Microsoft Software
Article Properties
Article Number: 000128944
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2025
Version:  5
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.