While upgrading Microsoft SQL Server 2014 SP2 to CU11 I got this error:
Action required:
Use the following information to resolve the error, and then try the setup process again.Feature failure reason:
An error occurred during the setup process of the feature.Error details:
§ Error installing SQL Server Database Engine Services Instance Features
The Database Engine system data directory in the registry is not valid.
Error code: 0x851A0042
Visit http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?LinkId=20476&ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&EvtSrc=setup.rll&EvtID=50000&ProdVer=12.0.5579.0&EvtType=0xD8FB5EBA%400x97A656BB%401306%4066&EvtType=0xD8FB5EBA%400x97A656BB%401306%4066 to get help on troubleshooting.
The part where it says “The Database Engine system data directory in the registry is not valid.” pointed me in the right direction. Some time ago I moved the system data files to a new partition. While having a look at the registry I found that a path configured there was not valid:
The path for SQLDataRoot wasn’t valid any more. After changing it to the right path the upgrade finished without any issues.
Thank you I had this problem and your solution helped me
This solved my issue as well. all others point to the default data diretory for the databse which was correct but it was this registry entry that was wrong. Once I fixed it it was flying…. Thank you so much.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing, saved me a few hours troubleshooting this issue :)
bulls eye, appreciate it