While installing SQL Server 2025 (Release Candidate) in one of my demo environments, I ran into a rather interesting error. Since this machine hosts multiple SQL Server versions (for testing and backward compatibility), I had a feeling this might be an environment-specific issue—but it’s worth documenting nonetheless.
The Error
During setup, SQL Server threw the following message:
SQL Server Setup has encountered an error when running a Windows Installer file.
Windows Installer error message: The specified account already exists.
The log file contained this line:
Product: Microsoft ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server — Error 1316. The specified account already exists.
This is the screenshot of the error message dialog:
What Happened
This error typically indicates a conflict with an existing Windows Installer registration, meaning that the component SQL Server setup tried to install—Microsoft ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server in this case—was already present on the system. The installer attempted to re-register or overwrite it and failed because the account or registration entry already existed.
In environments with multiple SQL Server instances or older ODBC drivers, this kind of overlap can happen more often, especially when testing preview or RC (Release Candidate) builds.
The Fix
The solution turned out to be straightforward:
- I uninstalled Microsoft ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server manually from Apps & Features (or via
appwiz.cpl). - I re-ran the SQL Server 2025 setup.
- Installation completed successfully without further errors.
After setup finished, SQL Server 2025 automatically installed its required version of the ODBC driver.
This was relatively easy for me to perform because my environment is used purely for demo and testing purposes. However, when dealing with production or other critical environments, extra care must be taken before uninstalling or modifying shared components like ODBC drivers, as these may be in use by other applications or services.
A Small Note for Test Environments
If you frequently work with multiple SQL Server versions, it’s a good idea to periodically review installed ODBC drivers and related components. Conflicting or legacy drivers can cause minor issues like this one, especially in RC or CTP installations where setup dependencies may differ slightly from previous releases.
In summary:
If you encounter “Error 1316: The specified account already exists” during SQL Server 2025 installation, check whether the Microsoft ODBC Driver 18 is already installed. Removing it before running setup again should resolve the problem.
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Reference: aartemiou.com (https://www.aartemiou.com)
© Artemakis Artemiou
Artemakis Artemiou is an AI & Data Architect with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, specializing in databases, AI, cloud computing, and enterprise automation. He helps organizations unlock business value through data-driven strategies and AI-powered transformation.
Recognized as a 9-time Microsoft Data Platform MVP, he has been honored for his contributions to the global data and AI community — sharing knowledge through articles, conference talks, and thought leadership initiatives. He is passionate about making advanced technologies accessible, impactful, and enterprise-ready.
Driven by innovation and a strong commitment to the tech community, Artemakis empowers professionals and enterprises to accelerate their journey toward AI transformation.