SQL Error with ACT Pro v18 and Windows 7

[ark210]

I had hard drive formatted and Windows 7 reinstalled along with all the Window Updates.

The Qeek Squad tech center says the SQL  (ACT 7) will not update.

Both before and after formatting the hard drive and reinstalling Windows 7 and Act Pro v18,

the SQL (act 7) would selectively not start and required going into Services to select automatic restart.

However, after several logons to Act, it would not start because of SQL (ACT7) didn't start.  This issue also

occurs when opening Outlook 10.

What are the solutions?  

I am concerned because the Qeek Squad techs say Microsoft no longer supports 

the SQL required to run ACT Pro v18 and went on to say the same issue will exist within Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10.

Thanks for your assistance.

[Melville-Schellmann]

Change the SQL server service Startup properties from "automatic" to "DELAYED automatic". This helped in most of the cases.

[ch1p]

I defer to the message below from Gary

[Gary W]

@ch1p,
SQL 2014 was included with Act! v17.1 and newer.

@ark210,

Microsoft do not offer direct support services for SQL Express, so this might be what your technician was referring to. The SQL Express 2014 server itself is still supported on Windows and will be for a few more years.

I would recommend you try the suggestion posted by @Melville-Schellmann.