In this article, we will discuss how to fix long path names to files on SQL Server installation media error. This happens when installing Microsoft SQL Server on Windows Server. Despite installing SQL Server numerous times with the same installation media. I was prompted with the error that the installation media on a network share. Or in a custom folder can cause installation failure if the total length of the path exceeds 260 characters. Please, see how to download and install MSSQL 2019 Express Edition and SSMS, and how to upgrade Windows Admin Center 2306 – 2311: Run WACmg v2401.

SQL Server (MSSQL) is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft that enables users interact with and manage data via Structured Query Language (SQL). Businesses widely use MSSQL for tasks like transaction processing, data warehousing, and business intelligence.

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Reason for the long path names to files on SQL Server installation media error?

This error is prompted during SQL Server setup from 2019 which is the version I am installing today. This error also occurs in later versions when the installation media (extracted ISO or installation folder) contains long file paths. This is usually over 260 characters.

As you can see below, when you launch the SQL Server setup file. This will open up SQL Server Installation Center. When you click on “New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation”.

Ideally, in the Global Rules page, setup automatically advances to the Microsoft Update page if there are no rule errors. Unfortunately, this is not the case for this setup as shown below.

To see more of this error, please click on “Failed” under the status tab.

long pathnmae to file on SQL Server media

Below is the detailed information about the failure. We are being instructed to use Net Use functionality or shorten the path name.

Please, see How to encrypt Microsoft SQL Server Traffic, how to link a removable media to a Deployment Share: Replicate Deployment share to a removable device. Here is a guide on how to Install SQL Server Management Studio 21 on Windows Server.

Shorten Path Name

As you can see above, one of the steps we have to resolve this issue is to shorten the path name to SQL Server Setup.exe file.

install path — You could also rename it on the parent folder as shown here.

But, decided to move the SQL Server installation folder to a different folder by coping and renaming it as shown below.

As you can see, I have shorten the path name as recommended.

Please, see how to “Install SQL Server Management Studio 20 on Windows Server, and how to install Endpoint Configuration Manager on HyperV VM. Here is “how to uninstall Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio“.

Launch SQL Server Installation Again

When the path name is renamed, ensure to close all open SQL Server Installation Center. Then click on the SQL Server Setup file and when the SQL Server Installation Center opens up. Click on the first option as shown below to install SQL Server unto the server.

As you can see below, we are prompted right in the Install Rules page. Setup checks for potential problems that might occur while running Setup. As you can see below, there is no failure but only a warning message alone regarding Windows Firewall.

To get more information about the warning message. Kindly click on the warning link under the status tab as shown below.

You should be able to install SQL Server going forward by following the steps or Windows prompted.

I hope you found this article very useful on how to Fix long path names to files on SQL Server installation media error. Please, feel free to leave a comment below.