As a SQL Server DBA, it is not uncommon to encounter various issues during the installation and maintenance of SQL Server. Recently, I was called in by a customer who was experiencing an error while installing SQL Server 2017. The error message they received was: “VS Shell installation has failed with exit code 1638.”
Upon further investigation, it became clear that the issue was not related to SQL Server performance tuning, but rather with the installation process itself. In this article, I will explain the steps we took to resolve this error and ensure a successful installation.
The Error: VS Shell Installation Has Failed
During the installation of SQL Server 2017, some users may encounter the error message: “The following error has occurred: VS Shell installation has failed with exit code 1638.” This error can be quite worrisome, especially if the installation is being performed during a maintenance window.
The Solution: Installing Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable
The solution to this error is relatively simple. The root cause of the problem is the absence of the required Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable. To resolve the error, follow these steps:
- Download the appropriate version of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable for your operating system:
- For 64-bit OS: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=746572
- For 32-bit OS: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=746571
- Install the downloaded redistributable.
- Reboot the server.
After following these steps, the error should no longer appear during the SQL Server 2017 installation process.
I highly recommend installing the Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable before starting the SQL Server 2017 installation to avoid encountering this error. It is a simple precautionary step that can save you time and ensure a smooth installation process.
Remember, when installing the redistributable, choose the appropriate version based on your operating system – x64 for 64-bit OS and x86 for 32-bit OS. Installing both versions on the same server is not necessary and may cause conflicts.
By following these steps, you can overcome the “VS Shell installation has failed” error and proceed with the successful installation of SQL Server 2017.
Happy SQL Server installation!