Microsoft SQL Server Summary.txt Log

Summary: The Microsoft SQL Server Summary .txt-file log is created when SQL Server installations, uninstallations, feature changes, and product updates are applied. This article explains what to expect in this file. ...

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Symptoms

A Microsoft SQL Server installation or uninstallation is failing to complete successfully.
 

Cause

Microsoft SQL Server installations or uninstallations can fail for many different reasons, the SQL Server Summary.txt log may provide information as to why the installation\uninstallation events have failed.

Resolution

  1. The default file location for the Summary.txt log in a SQL Server 2019 installation is the "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\150\Setup Bootstrap\Log" folder. The installation folder may be in another drive location, the "Log" folder is located in that installation location.  

example of the log folder

  1. The "Log" folder contains past installation information as seen above in individual folders. Each folder is stamped with a date and installation number. The Summary.txt log is found in the root of the "Log" folder usually at the bottom of the folder and file list.

example of the summary file in the folder 
  1. SQL Server installation information in the Summary.txt log includes multiple pieces of information that can either confirm a successful installation or show information related to a failed installation.

extract of the summary file 
 
  1. Below is an example showing information about an intentionally forced failure involving the "SQLEngine and Replication" features. This is only an example, an unforced failure shows information about the failure that can be used for further investigation of the event.
example of details in the summary regarding the replication and engine 

Affected Products

Dell Quickstart Data Warehouse Appliance, Microsoft Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Windows Server 2019, Microsoft Windows Server 2022, Microsoft Windows 2012 Server, Microsoft Windows 2012 Server R2, Prosupport for Microsoft Software
Article Properties
Article Number: 000200565
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 05 Sep 2025
Version:  6
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