SQL Server Error 17072, Severity 17 is typically related to licensing validation or issues during the startup of SQL Server. It indicates that SQL Server cannot proceed because it detects an invalid or missing product key/license information.
"Error: 17072, Severity: 17, State XX SQL Evaluation period has expired." OR "The License Key was not found."
The severity level of this error is reported as 17, indicating a problem outside user control (e.g., hardware or configuration issue) that prevents further progress in using SQL Server. This error can occur in instances where:
- Trial versions have expired without being updated appropriately.
- Licensing files are corrupted/invalid after an upgrade or installation changes.
- A license mismatch occurs between what’s configured and detected by SQL Server.
Common Causes:
- Evaluation Period Expired: If you’re running an evaluation version of SQL Server and the trial period (usually valid for up to 180 days) has ended without applying a proper license key.
- Edition Downgrade Problem: Issues may arise if there were improper transitions between editions (e.g., from Developer Edition to Standard Edition) with incorrect keys applied.
- Corrupted `sqlserver.exe` File or Licensing Certificates: Corruption in core DLLs used for activation/licensing could also result in such errors.
- Configuration File Location Errors Post Upgrade/Migration: Keys might be misplaced due change paths.