Unattended Installation of SQL Server 2017

Question

Hi 

I am trying to get an unattended installation of SQL Server 2017 server going. I am having trouble finding the myConfigurationFile.ini. How do i generate this or where do I find it. If anyone has a template I could use that would be greatly appreciated. 

Answer 1

Hi!

When you start an SQL Server setup wizard from an DVD or image, continue till the end of the installation wizard, before pressing "Install" the ConfigurationFile.ini will be created and it will also be shown where it was created.

The ConfigurationFile.ini for SQL Server 2017 will be created to the following location:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\140\Setup Bootstrap\Log\<date_when_it_was_created>\

For more information regarding the ConfigurationFile, check the link below:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/install-sql-server-using-a-configuration-file?view=sql-server-2017

Hope this helps!

Best regards,
Leon

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Answer 2

Hi Fargo94,

From your description, my understanding is that you want to find the ConfigurationFile.ini file to getting an unattended installation of SQL Server 2017. If anything is misunderstood, please let me know.

Firstly, if you have installed SQL Server before and the edition is not Express, you could locate the ConfigurationFile.ini file in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\140\Setup Bootstrap\Log. And the file is in the folder which is named by the time you installed before.

Secondly, if you have never installed SQL Server before or you have installed SQL Server Express before, you could generate a configuration file via following steps.

1. Insert the SQL Server installation media. From the root folder, double-click Setup.exe. If you plan to install SQL Server Express, you need to use “SETUP.exe /UIMODE=Normal /ACTION=INSTALL” command to start setup and create a configuration file. Because SQL Server Express Edition setup does not create a configuration file automatically.

2. Follow the wizard through to the Ready to Install page. The path to the configuration file is specified in the Ready to Install page in the configuration file path section. Such as the below screenshot.

3. Cancel the setup without actually completing the installation, to generate the INI file.

Best Regards,
Emily Fei