unable to start the act7 sql server instance

[FritsSch]

When I start ACT! (version 16 pro), I get the error "Unable to start the ACT7 sql server instance...". When I try to open the database I get the error "ACT! has determined that SQL server is not running".

I already tried under Services to start the SQL server (ACT7), but when reopening ACT!, there is still the same error.

In SQL Server Management Studio I cannot connect to the ACT7 database engine.

How can I repair this?

[Roy_Laudenslager]

What version of Windows are you using?

[FritsSch]

I am using Win 7 pro

[rhysb]

When did this message start happening? Were there any windows updates just before this issue started occurring?

Are you logged in as a local windows administrator? if not, log on as a local windows administrator and try again.

Does it give a specific error code when it says unable to start the ACT7 instance in services.msc? In services.msc is the startup set to be disabled?

Try right clicking on the SQLSERVER (ACT7) instance and click "properties" and then the "log on" tab. ensure the logon is set to "Local System Account".

If you click the windows icon in the bottom left corner > all programs > Microsoft SQL server *year* > configuration tools > configuration manager. When the config manager opens up click the triangle next to SQL Network Server Protocols, then click on Protocols for ACT7 - ensure the Named Pipes and TCP/IP are both enabled (if they're not right click on each one and click "enable") and try restarting the ACT7 instance again. 

You could also try the following article which has a .bat file that forces the start of the ACT7 instance.

Error: "Act! was unable to start the ACT7 SQL Server instance and open the local database. Please restart the ACT7 SQL Server instance."
http://kb.swiftpage.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/30854

[chrisbunyan]

If you cannot even start the SQL ACT7 instance from services I think one of the system databases has probably become corrupt  (master or model) You might see mor in the event logs on what is causing the problem.

The easiest way to fix it would be to completely uninstall SQL 2008 R2 and then reboot your machine and then manually install SQL using the following steps from this link http://kb.swiftpage.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/26994 

Note you do need to run SecurityCmdLnApp.exe with the new "SA" password in a command prompt which is at the bottom of the guide.

[ACMETT]

Hi,

I have been getting same error msg since installing Win 10

Have tried the steps in http://kb.swiftpage.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/27046

ActDiag - I get error advising I must be an administrator...  ( I am the administrator for this PC and ACt etc)

I can start the SQL via   run/services.msc

SQL Server (ACT)  &/or SQL Server Agent (ACT)

These work temporarily, however once I log off the user and/or out of Win 10, next time I attempt to open ACT, the error msg returns and need to repeat the process.

Any idea on how to make it start everytime automatically?

Thank you

[Gary W]

Hi ACMETT,

The following article suggests some steps to help start the SQL Service automatically.
http://kb.swiftpage.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/38229

[rhysb]

Hey ACMETT,

What version of SQL are you using? To find this out if you right click on the windows icon in the bottom left corner, click search and then search for actdiag and open that it will tell you after clicking ok to the disclaimer. I have seen a few instances where in Windows 10 running SQL 2008 Express causes this issue. The reason for this is when you upgrade to Windows 10 it leaves SQL alone as Microsoft SQL 2008 is incompatible with Windows 10.

You could try running the step on the article below about forcing SQL to start when you sign into Windows. 

Error: "Act! was unable to start the ACT7 SQL Server instance and open the local database. Please restart the ACT7 SQL Server instance."
http://kb.swiftpage.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/30854

[ACMETT]

Yes, it is running the 2008 version.

Is there a later version I should download?

[rhysb]

Have you tried the steps in the article I posted in my last reply? If so, did they work?

If that doesn't work, go to services.msc and right click the SQL Server (ACT7) instance and go to properties > logon and change the login to the username and password you sign into Windows with. test again by logging out of Windows and logging back in.

If these don't work, then I would then uninstall SQL 2008 and install the SQL 2014 (ACT7) instance. I'll put links to step by steps below but just want to check, what version of Act! are you using? (go to help > about Act! in your database if your not sure). Do any other programs on your PC use SQL 2008?

How to Uninstall the SQL Server® 2008 ACT7 Instance
http://kb.swiftpage.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/26692

How to manually create the Microsoft SQL Server 2014 ACT7 Instance
http://kb.swiftpage.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/38099