In order to set up SQL Server 2012 SP3 – I downloaded the files using Microsoft Subscription. Please follow below steps to run the installation.
Please make sure to install .Net Framework versions 2.0 and 3.5 from Server Manager.
Download SQL Server 2012 SP3 from Microsoft. I used Microsoft Subscription to download SQL Server 2012 Standard Edition with Service Pack 3 (x64) – DVD (English).
If you download the ISO file, you can right click and mount the file. (shown below)
Click Setup in order to run the process.
Choose Installation from SQL Server Installation Center.
Use “New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation”.
A set of rules will be run by SQL Server
If there are any failed Instances, please follow the instructions to fix them – most probably it will be a restart or .Net framework errors
If the file has been downloaded using MSDN subscription, Microsoft will automatically provide the key for you.
If you download it from Microsoft, you have to purchase and enter the key in the below screen.
Agree to the licensing and click Next.
SQL server will go through some checks.
Once done, you will be provided with the results.
Follow the instructions to change / modify the configurations.
Choose SQL Server Feature Installation option.
In the feature selection screen, select Database Engine Services, Client Tools Connectivity, Management Tools – Basic and Management Tools – Complete options.
The system will run through some check and will validate the installation.
In the below configuration, please choose the path to install SQL server. I prefer to do it on a separate drive so in order to cut down the space on C Drive and to keep the MDF and LDF (logfiles) separate.
In the Server Configuration screen, make sure Startup Type is selected as Automatic. You can leave SQL Server Browser option disabled.
Database Engine Configuration – Authentication options – You can choose to use Windows Authentication or Mixed mode.
Mixed mode authentication will provide both Windows Authentication and SQL server authentication. The password provided here will be for user “sa”
Add Current User as windows System Administrator.
Choose Next to continue the installation, if you want to send error reports to Microsoft, you can check the checkbox in the below screen.
SQL server runs configuration rules and make sure everything is ready to install. Click Next to continue the installation process.
Check your features that are supposed to be installed and click install.
The installation will take about 20 – 30 minutes.
Once done, Complete window will be displayed with installation status for all options.
You can logon to SQL Server Management Studio by providing the IP address or Server Name using your windows account or “sa” user.
Keep Smiling and Happy Coding…