TFS 2012 express edition fails installation - Due to pre req SQL server

Question

I am installing TFS 2012 Express edition and I fail at the wizard that runs "Readiness check". It fails at the Data tier section.. with error

TF400533: In order for this wizard to upgrade to the latest version of SQL Server Express, you will first need to install Service Pack 2 or newer, and then re-run this wizard. It is recommended that you run Microsoft Updates which will install the current service pack automatically (You may need to enable Microsoft Updates from the Windows control panel).

Question: What service pack 2 is this talking about. If its SQL 2008 R2, then I installed it and I get the same error. If its TFS 2012 or SQL 2012 , there is no SP2.

I did install SQL server 2012 express edition separately and and then re run the TFS 2012 express edition install, it still fails at the same point.

bryanmac bryanmac · Accepted Answer · 2013-01-31T04:48:57

The problem is the version of SQL Express that is packaged with TFS is not capable of upgrading the older version of SQL express you have. It must be pulled forward for the upgrade to work. So, we detect you're behind the minimum version it's capable of upgrading and show that message.

This article discussed a few options. If windows update works for you (optional updates) that is the easiest path.

http://elhajj.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/on-dealing-with-tfs-error-tf400533/

If you run that SP2 installer directly (next, next, next), it can just install SP2 but not against the SQLExpress instance on your box (sigh). It's not obvious - if the above link doesn't get you going, let me know and I'll include more detailed steps.

TFS 2012 express edition fails installation - Due to pre req SQL server

3 Answers