Error: Could not find the Database Engine startup handle

During the installation of Diamonds/ PowerConnect (version 2017 until 2019r02), you get the error:

Could not find the Database Engine startup handle.

This error is related to the database system (= SQL instance) used by Diamonds/ PowerConnect (version 2017 until 2019r02).

Solution 1

• Install Diamonds/PowerConnect/BIM Expert 2020 or more recent. These versions use a different type of database, which no longer requires the installation of an SQL instance.

Solution 2

• Uninstall all corrupt SQL instances. Be patient, uninstalling can take a moment.
• Restart the SQL Server (if you find it in the list):
  • Open Task Manager > tab page ‘Services’.
  • Click on ‘Open Services’.
  • Find the service ‘SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS14 or SQLEXPRESS14BS)’ > right mouse button > ‘Stop’.
  • Find the service ‘SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS14 or SQLEXPRESS14BS)’ > right mouse button > ‘Start’.
  • Close the task manager.
• Make sure there’re no remaining folders or files in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL12.[Name_Of_The_Instance]
• Install a new SQL instance. Pay attention on the Server Configuration page:
  • When you get to the Server Configuration page as shown below, you will notice that the SQL Server Database Engine service is using the account NT Service\MSSQLSERVER.
  • Change the account from NT Service\MSSQLSERVER to NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM by clicking on the drop-down box, selecting ‘Browse’ and then typing ‘SYSTEM’ in ‘Enter the object name to select’. Click on ‘Check Names’ so SYSTEM is underlined.
  • Your screen should look similar to the screenshot below.
• Run the Diamonds and/or PowerConnect installer. Select the newly installed SQL instance.