Under certain circumstances, it might happen when trying to add a feature to an existing SQL Server installation (i.e. adding SQL Server Integration Services), to get the following error message: “The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable“.
The above error message, might be referring to Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client.
So, what do you do? How can you resolve this issue and proceed with the installation of the SQL Server feature?
How to Resolve the Issue
In order to resolve the issue, there is a series of steps that need to be taken.
Below, I list these steps:
Step 1: Stop SQL Server Services
The first step, is to stop all SQL Server services on the server. So, for example, you will need to stop SQL Server service, SQL Server Agent, etc. Of course, this means downtime, so you will need to plan ahead and inform all affected parties.
Step 2: Uninstall SQL Server 2012 Native Client
The second step, is to uninstall SQL Server 2012 Native Client.
To this end, you will need to navigate to “Add or Remove Programs” on the server, and uninstall SQL Server 2012 Native Client.
Step 3: Download and Install SQL Server 2012 Native Client
The third step, is to download again SQL Server 2012 Native Client (link), copy the installer on a location on a local disk drive on the server/computer, and run the installation. Finally, after the installation, it would be better to restart the server/computer.
Step 4: Try Again to Perform the Initial Action
After all the above steps are completed, you can re-try performing the initial action that was causing the error message “The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable”.
To this end, if for example you were trying to add the SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) feature, you can try again. Hopefully, this time you will be able to successfully complete the task, without any issues.
Step 5: Optional – Restart Server
Last, as an optional step, you can consider restarting the server.
I’m suggesting this as an optional step, unless of course, you are prompted by SQL Server installation wizard(s) to reboot the server/computer.
Explanation why this is Happening
Now, let’s talk a bit about why you got this error. To better understand this, let me provide the error message again:
“The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable”
As you can see in the above error message, there is a reference to a “network resource”. This most probably mean, that an installation of SQL Server 2012 Native Client, was performed directly from a network location, instead of a location on a local disk on the server/computer. That’s why at Step 3, I have explicitly advised, to download the SQL Server 2012 Native Client installer, on a local drive on the server.
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Artemakis Artemiou, a distinguished Senior Database and Software Architect, brings over 20 years of expertise to the IT industry. A Certified Database, Cloud, and AI professional, he earned the Microsoft Data Platform MVP title for nine consecutive years (2009-2018). As the founder of SQLNetHub and GnoelixiAI Hub, Artemakis is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and democratizing education on various fields such as: Databases, Cloud, AI, and Software Development. His commitment to simplicity and knowledge sharing defines his impactful presence in the tech community.