Reply to thread

Okay, here we go...

I think screenshot 1 in your earlier reply is the telling one. It clearly shows that the installation issue is related to MySQL, and more specifically: the fact that the MySQL service can't start. Screenshot 3 is just a side-effect of that. If MySQL hasn't started, TV Server won't be able to connect to it.

Unfortunately the fail-to-start error itself is very light on detail. However based on past reports and experience I would speculate the problem is due to:

1. Another version of MySQL already installed and running on the system.
2. Remnants of an old MySQL install not properly cleaned out.
3. Installer not run with admin privileges.
4. Over-zealous security software preventing MySQL from doing what it needs to do.

HTPCSourcer has provided instructions for cleanly removing MySQL, so that should rule out (1) and (2). I note that I would not trust or rely on IOBit Uninstaller. Also, it's a common mistake to not delete c:\ProgramData\MySQL. ProgramData is a system/hidden folder, so people often [wrongly] assume that we're talking about Program Files. We're not. ProgramData and Program Files are not the same. If you made this mistake, this could well be the cause of your problems.

You also said that you're now running the installer with admin privileges, so that should rule out (3).

Finally, (4) is another distinct possibility. Disclaimer: I have no experience with IOBit software, and I'm inclined to distrust security software because it has caused more problems for me than it's solved.

More information could possibly be gleaned by deeper investigation - for example, by attempting to start the MySQL service manually and/or examining the MySQL log files etc. However I'm not sure if it's practical to go down that route. Investigation is "non-linear" (ie. what you do next depends on what you find), which makes it difficult or very time-consuming for us to provide instructions. Further we're starting to get into very technical territory. It would be significantly easier for me to investigate myself if you're willing to allow me to access your PC via TeamViewer (free download for personal use, no installation required). Obviously that requires you to trust me. I'd fully understand if you don't want to do this... but please consider it and let me know.

If you don't want to give me access (or I fail to solve the problem), you could have one more crack at using MySQL.

Prior to attempting the install you should:

1. Uninstall MediaPortal, including TV Server.

Use the full product cleanup option. This does not uninstall MySQL, so...

2. Uninstall any and all versions of MySQL you have installed.

Use the Windows add/remove software function please. If the uninstaller offers you choices, choose the most comprehensive removal/clean-up option(s).

After uninstalling, manually check and remove the folders HTPCSourcer listed on page 1. Don't forget ProgramData is not the same as Program Files.

Note if you have other programs that also use a MySQL database (you should know if this were the case) then this would break them, so don't just blindly follow this instruction.

Please don't use IOBit Uninstaller this time.

When it comes time to try the install again, make sure you remember to run the installer with admin privileges. I'd also strongly recommend to temporarily disable all security software - including IOBit, Windows Defender and any others - before running the installer. It's up to you as to whether you're comfortable doing that or not. I'd simply reiterate that security software can and does cause installations problems sometimes, and this could be one of those occasions.

If all else fails then trying SQL Server would be the last resort option.