How to Fix Error 2147467259 When Installing SQL Server 2019 on Mac Parallels
Question details
The user needs to resolve error 2147467259 encountered while attempting to install SQL Server Express 2019 or Developer edition on a Windows virtual machine running via Parallels on a Mac.

- Product
- SQL Server 2019
- Device & OS
- Mac / Windows via Parallels
- Scenario
- Installing SQL Server 2019 on a Windows environment virtualized on a Mac using Parallels Desktop.
- Observed behavior
- The installation fails and throws error code 2147467259, preventing the setup of SQL Server Express or Developer edition.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection for downloading fresh installation files, and verify that your Parallels Desktop virtual machine is fully updated with the latest Windows patches.
Perform a Clean Boot and Run the Installer as Administrator
Prevent third-party background applications from interfering with the SQL Server installation process and ensure the setup tool has sufficient system privileges.
Error 2147467259 is often triggered by a lack of administrative permissions or conflicts caused by background software running on the Windows virtual machine.
Navigate to the official Microsoft website and download a fresh copy of the SQL Server 2019 installer to rule out file corruption.
Press Windows + R, type 'msconfig', and hit Enter. Go to the Services tab, check 'Hide all Microsoft services', and click 'Disable all'. Open Task Manager to disable all startup applications, then restart Windows.
Locate the freshly downloaded SQL Server setup file, right-click it, select 'Run as administrator' from the context menu, and follow the on-screen installation prompts.

Install SQL Server from a Mounted ISO Image
Bypass standard executable execution issues by utilizing a mounted ISO file or executing the installation via the Command Prompt.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is SQL Server 2019 officially supported on Mac through Parallels?
No, running SQL Server 2019 or 2022 on a Windows virtual machine via Parallels on a Mac is not officially supported by Microsoft, though it is technically possible and often used by developers for testing purposes.
What does error 2147467259 mean during SQL Server installation?
Error 2147467259 typically indicates a generic failure, access violation, or conflict during the setup process. It is often caused by corrupted installation files, insufficient administrative privileges, or conflicting background applications.
How do I perform a clean boot in Windows on Parallels?
Press the Windows key + R, type 'msconfig', and press Enter. Go to the Services tab, check 'Hide all Microsoft services', and click 'Disable all'. Then, open Task Manager, disable all startup items, and restart your virtual machine.
Can I use SQL Server Developer edition instead of Express on Parallels?
Yes, both SQL Server Express and Developer editions can be installed using similar methods. The Developer edition offers full enterprise features for development and testing purposes for free, whereas the Express edition is limited in maximum database size and compute resource usage.




