'SQL Database instance is unavailable' when trying to open ACT Database - URGENT HELP PLEASE!

[chocolulu]

Hello

We are in URGENT need of help

We have had nothing but hassle with our ACT for the last week or so

The PC we are having problems with has been upgraded to Windows 7.  However after this we got ACT working fine, and used it for a week or two

Then suddenly it is now coming up with the error 'SQL Database instance is unavailable'.  When we click OK it comes up with 'Object reference not set to an instance of an object'.

We have tried uninstalling and re-installing.  We have tried manually installing SQL Server and so on.......  To no avail

Another thing is when we look in Program files and serivces.msc there is no SQL Server ACT7 there, so I am presuming that this is the problem, but cannot seem to resolve it

ACT! version is 2010

PLEASE can someone HELP!

Thanks

Louise

[gmartin]

To better troubleshoot and isolate the issue with the SQL installation, you can install each component individually.  Here is an article with instructions:  KB Article 24363

The errors received during this process will determine the next steps.  Should all components complete successfully, the next step is to install the ACT7 instance manually (the instructions are linked within the article). 

[chocolulu]

Greg

Thank you for your reply

Presumably we uninstall the SQL first?

Do we just do this via Control Panel?

Thanks

Louise

[gmartin]

Yes - uninstall SQL first, through the Control Panel. After uninstalling it, go to C:\Program Files and rename the folder 'Microsoft SQL Server'. I also recommend rebooting the computer before reinstalling and disabling any anti-virus/firewall software (reduce possible conflicts).

[chocolulu]

Greg

Many thanks indeed for your reply

Sorry just one other thing that I forgot to ask before

Do we have to uninstall ACT before doing this?

Thanks

Louise

[gmartin]

You won't have to uninstall the ACT! program (it won't hurt if you do). If ACT! remains installed, there are steps in the Manually Create ACT7 Instance article for connecting ACT! to the SQL instance.