Unable to install SQL Server 2008 R2 Express

Question

When I try to install SQL Server 2008 R2 Express, I get the following message :

The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable

Click ok to try again or enter an alternate path to a folder containing the installation package 'sqlncli_x64.msi' in the below box

I'm unable to find a way to solve this problem. Can you help me ?

Answer 1

For me this got fixed by -

1. Going to registry editor (windows+R > regedit)
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Classes > Installer > Products
3. Goto each key listed under Products and delete all keys related to SQL Server (or the keys you think are specific to your error). This can be done by clicking on the key folder and reading the ProductName details in right pane (delete only the keys that contain keywords like SQL Server).
4. Once step 3 is complete, restart your machine and try again.