Event ID 7000 and SQL Server doesn't start

Applies to:   SQL Server

Symptoms

When the Microsoft SQL Server binary file (Sqlservr.exe) is renamed on the system that's hosting the SQL Server service, the service doesn't start, and you receive the following error message, depending on how you try to start the service:

• By using the Services applet:

  Windows could not start the SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER) service on Local Computer.
  Error 2: The system cannot find the file specified.

• By using a command prompt:

  System error 2 has occurred.
  The system cannot find the file specified.

Resolution

1. Check the Windows System log, and verify that you see an error message entry that resembles the following:

   Log Name:      System  
   Source:        Service Control Manager  
   Date:          <Datetime>  
   Event ID:      7000  
   Task Category: None  
   Level:         Error  
   Keywords:      Classic  
   User:          N/A  
   Computer:      <Server name>
   Description:
   The SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER) service failed to start due to the following error:  
   The system cannot find the file specified. 
   

2. Go to the SQL Server installation folder and verify that it doesn't contain the Sqlservr.exe file.

3. Resolve the issue by repairing the SQL Server installation per the procedure that's documented in Repair a Failed SQL Server Installation.