Troubleshooting: SQL Server installation error - Wait on the Database Engine recovery handle failed

Question: Error message: Wait on the Database Engine recovery handle failed. Check the SQL Server error log for potential cause.

Version: 1.8 / 1.9 / 2.0

Possible Reason:

The account which user selected on Server Configuration page (during installation) is somehow not able to bring SQL Server database engine services online. Either it is lacking privilege, or it is corrupted. During installation of database engine services, SQL Server tries to bring online database services as an internal process but due to startup account either corrupt or not having appropriate privileges it fails to do so and causes installation fails.

Solution:

Uninstall the SQL Server and reinstall it using NT Authority\SYSTEM.

1. Uninstall all SQL server using ‘Add or Remove Program’

1.1 Click on Windows button, type on control panel and Click on Control Panel icon.

1.2 Click on Uninstall Program.

1.3 Search for SQL Server and right click to uninstall.

2. Restart PC after uninstalling the program.

3. Reinstall SQL server, under "Server Configuration" page change SQL Server Database Engine and Agent service by clicking the drop-down option to select user NT Authority\SYSTEM.

Note:Do not select NT service while installing database engine service.