How many times have you tried installing Sql Server only to get a fail message stating that your machine needs to reboot.

This is usually due to some file operation required and can be resolved easily by removing a key from the registry without the need for rebooting. (Note: Do this at your own risk)

1. Run “regedit” from from the run menu (Windows Key + R)

2. Navigate to the following path in regedit

3. Find the key named “PendingFileRenameOperations” and Delete

4. Hit Re-run and you should be onto the next step of installation.