Problems installing SQL Server 2005 on Vista and IIS7

I've seen this issue pop up a few times so I thought I'd share a few quick tips / tricks to getting SQL Server 2005 to work on Vista.

If you see an error saying "Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) is either not installed or is disabled.", but you're sure you did in fact install IIS7, you are not alone.  There are several required IIS components for SQL Server to install properly on Vista and if you don't have the complete set you will see this error.  The following components are all required in order for SQL Server 2005 to install properly:

 

Component Folder
Static Content Common HTTP Features
Default Document Common HTTP Features
HTTP Redirection Common HTTP Features
Directory Browsing Common HTTP Features
ASP.Net Application Development
ISAPI Extension Application Development
ISAPI Filters Application Development
Windows Authentication Security
IIS Metabase Management Tools
IIS 6 WMI Management Tools

 

fyi, there is an official KB on this issue now posted here:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/920201

2 Comments

  • I've seen this list of components a few places (including the kb article) but under Secutity, there is no Windows Authentication option. I have every IIS option checked and still receive the error above. Any thoughts on why I can't install still? Is vista requiring I be joined to a domain in order to select Windows Authentication?

  • Hi Senloe - it sounds like you have Vista Home Premium or basic. Unfortunately those editions of Windows Vista do not come with Windows authentication built-in for IIS. You will need to upgrade to the Professional or Ultimate editions. See http://www.iis.net/articles/view.aspx/IIS7/Deploy-an-IIS7-Server/Installing-IIS7/IIS7-Features-and-Windows-Vista-Editions?Page=2 for more information on which features of IIS are available for the various editions of Vista.

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