SQL Server Error: The path \\networkshare\...\ is not on a specified drive Type

[Bilbo_Baggins_Esq]

I am using Microsoft Server Manager 2012 on a VM.

I am able to create a server on the VM's local C:\

However, I am now trying to create a new server on a network share.
when I get to the "Instance Configuration" step, I enter the path.
I receive the error:
The path \\sharename\folder1\folder2\folder3\ is not on a specified drive Type.

(where "sharename" and "foldern" are the actual names of the share and folders on the share)

I have confirmed I am able to access the share and folders directly from the VM.
I have tried using the above shown UNC path as well as a mapped drive letter with the same end result.

I have tried searching the internet on this error with no directly applicable results.
I have tried to find some information on just what are the allowed drive types or how to change (if this is a setting to change) and no luck.

Please help!

 

[Minty]

I don't think you can install SQL Server onto a network drive remotely.
It's a service so needs to be installed and run on a OS not a just a shared folder.

 

[Bilbo_Baggins_Esq]

Hi and thanks for your time!

Help me cause I think I must be misunderstanding but aren't all network drives by definition "remote"?

I've been reading and re-reading this page:
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506(v=sql.110).aspx#storagetypes

Near the top is says:
•SQL Server Setup will block installations on read-only, mapped, or compressed drives.

Storage Types for Data Files
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The supported storage types for data files are:
•Local Disk
•Shared Storage
•SMB File Share

To be clear, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 2012 is already installed and I have used the setup/installation utility to create several local SQL servers already.
This problems relates to creation of a new SQL server instance located on the share.

 

[Minty]

As you have said - all your current SQL servers are Local.
It's a bit like trying to install Word onto a drive \\sharename\folder1\folder2\folder3\ you can't (as far as I know). How would it know where your fonts are stored? etc...

 

[Bilbo_Baggins_Esq]

hmmm, I'm not sure installing Word vs. setting up a SQL Server are directly analogous but I assume you know more than do I.

However, during the SQL Server setup process there actually is a step, before the problematic step, where the shared features locations are specified and defined:

Setting up SQL server steps:
Installs setup files
Specify installation type (Perform a new Installation of SQL Server 2012 selected)
Accept license terms
Feature Selection
Instance Features
Database Engine Services (checked)
SQL Server Replication (checked)
Shared Features
Management Tools - Basic (checked and grey)
SQL Client Connectivity SDK (checked and grey)
Local DB (unchecked)

In the lower section of the dialog box, there are two greyed out fields pre-populated with paths for:
Shared features directory: C\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\
Shared features directory (x86): C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\

When I click next, I then get the problematic dialog.
Here I can specify a local location and it will set it up no problem.
But if I specify the network share, that is what it doesn't like.