SQL Server 2017 Express Installation Error: INSTALLSHAREDWOWDIR Directory is Compressed

Question

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Title

SQL Server 2017 Express Installation Error: INSTALLSHAREDWOWDIR Directory is Compressed

Details

Hello,

I encountered an issue while trying to install SQL Server 2017 Express Edition. The installation fails with the following error message:

Error Message:

The specified directory, "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server", for the INSTALLSHAREDWOWDIR parameter is not valid because this directory is compressed or is in a compressed directory. Specify a directory that is not compressed.

Exit Code:

Exit code (Decimal): -2054422498

Steps I’ve Already Tried:

I disabled compression for the directory C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\ and its subdirectories.

I checked and terminated any running SQL-related processes via Task Manager.

I cleared all temporary files from the %temp% folder.

I rebooted my system and retried the installation.

Despite these efforts, the same error persists.

Questions:

How can I resolve this error and complete the installation?

Is there a way to change the INSTALLSHAREDWOWDIR parameter to specify a different, non-compressed directory? If yes, how can I configure it?

Additional Information:

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)

SQL Server Version: SQL Server 2017 Express Edition

Log File Location: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\140\Setup Bootstrap\Log\20250224_175743

I’ve attached a screenshot of the error message for reference.

Thank you for your assistance!

Tags

SQL Server

SQL Server 2017

Installation Error

Windows 10

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Title

SQL Server 2017 Express Installation Error: INSTALLSHAREDWOWDIR Directory is Compressed

Details

Hello,

I encountered an issue while trying to install SQL Server 2017 Express Edition. The installation fails with the following error message:

Error Message:

The specified directory, "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server", for the INSTALLSHAREDWOWDIR parameter is not valid because this directory is compressed or is in a compressed directory. Specify a directory that is not compressed.

Exit Code:

Exit code (Decimal): -2054422498

Steps I’ve Already Tried:

I disabled compression for the directory C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\ and its subdirectories.

I checked and terminated any running SQL-related processes via Task Manager.

I cleared all temporary files from the %temp% folder.

I rebooted my system and retried the installation.

Despite these efforts, the same error persists.

Questions:

How can I resolve this error and complete the installation?

Is there a way to change the INSTALLSHAREDWOWDIR parameter to specify a different, non-compressed directory? If yes, how can I configure it?

Additional Information:

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)

SQL Server Version: SQL Server 2017 Express Edition

Log File Location: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\140\Setup Bootstrap\Log\20250224_175743

I’ve attached a screenshot of the error message for reference.

Thank you for your assistance!

---

Answer 1

not valid because this directory is compressed

Compessed drives/folders are not supported by SQL Server and if you still get the message, then because there is still a compressed folder.