SQL Server 2008 installation issues

SYMPTOMS: (1) When you try to install Microsoft SQL Server 2008 on a server, the installation fails. Whne you run the setup again it will give the restart is pending in rule check even though the machine is restarted for couple of times.
(2) If the previous installation is failed, it will not allow to install the default instance again
(3) SQL server is not available in Control Panle to uninstall it

(1) If it is giving Restart Pending Rule is Failed, below is the resolution:

Cause:  In general, a previous program installation created pending file operations on the installation machine.

Solution: Please follow the steps below:

i) Open the registry.

ii) Open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session

iii) Double Click "PendingFileRenameOperations" key in right pane and delete Value Data

(2) If it is not allowing you to install the defult instace again after the previous failed installation uninstall the SQL server 2008 from control panel.

If you are unable to uninstall from control panle, uninstall it manually by following the below steps:

a) At a command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:


CD %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Setup Bootstrap\Release

b) Type the following command, and then press ENTER:

setup.exe /ACTION=uninstall /FEATURES=Feature_List /INSTANCENAME=Instance_Name
 
Note: In this command, the Feature_List placeholder represents a no-space, comma-separated list of feature values, such as "AS,SQL,RS,Tools."

 (3) If SQL server is not available in control panel, but SQL server instance is there in services uninstall it manually using the cmd using the above command.
 
References: (1) MS KB Article KB 955404
                  (2) SQL Coffee Articla