The system database file master.mdf already exists in C:\

Question

I am trying ti add some new features to my already installed Sql Server instance.

I run the installation setup and chose the option to add new features to existing instance of Sql Server 2016 RC3. Checked the options I wanted to add and then continued to next step. At the step where I add Authentication Mode and the server administrators I am having an error like below in the image.

The problems is obvious but is it obligatory to 'delete' master.mdf file and tempdb.mdf file before starting the installation or do something else ?

I dont want to change the locations of the master db files because I dont want to create two directories for the same purpose with two databases with the same purpose again.

Answer 1

Open Explorer and navigate to the folder in question (in my case):
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL13.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

• Control-A (select all), Control-X (cut)
• Create a new folder: DATA_OLD
• Go into the DATA_OLD folder, Control-V (paste)

You can now install SQL Server. Note: You will have to re-link any previously existing databases from the DATA_OLD folder.