Hello,

I try to run the LimeSurvey Installer, but I get the following error after hitting "´Next" on the fourth step of the installer to configure the database credentials:
Fatal error: Invalid handle returned. in C:\apache\htdocs\survey\application\controllers\InstallerController.php on line 1336

Scenario:
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Apache httpd-2.4.23-x64-vc14-r2
- MSSQL Server 2014
- php-7.0.11-Win32-VC14-x64
- using "sa" account for MSSQL database

Any idea what I did wrong or what I missed executing a correct installation?

ElMatador69 wrote: Any idea what I did wrong or what I missed executing a correct installation?

You should provide the version/build of LimeSurvey which you tried to install.

The error is related to the connection to the database. Doesn't seem to be possible.
github.com/LimeSurvey/LimeSurvey/blob/ma...Controller.php#L1336


If you have not the newest version/build, try a newer version of LS.
You might check credentials once again.
A good error message should appear instead of a stopped installer with a php error message.
So a bug-ticket might be a good idea as well.

You might try a different database-name. Can you post the one you're currently using? Any numbers or special characters in it?

Thx for your respone.

I'm using the latest stable version of Limesurvey (= limesurvey2.52+160920), which I downloaded before.
I'm pretty sure my credentials are correct, because I have no problem using them via Copy/Paste to connect to the database via MSSQL Management Studio.

The database name is: LimeSurvey01
Database user name is: sa
Password contains a "@" sign....

Edit: I created a new user with a simple user name and a very simple password and I get the same error

Although I created a ticket in the bugtracker any help is recommended:
bugs.limesurvey.org/view.php?id=11709

What's the DB location you entered?

BTW, have you used Limesurvey a few years ago?

You may also have to install additional php extensions to connect to ms-sql db's (sqlsrv or similar?).

could be related to that:
stackoverflow.com/questions/38222539/una...-sql-server-with-php

When reading the stuff about connection pooling, it sounds like a good idea to deactivate pooling by default in LimeSurvey.
msdn.microsoft.com/library/ms716319(VS.85).aspx

Question: Is the current setup using the ODBC API or not?
A lot of things change If actions are performed outside of the ODBC API.
Let's see what ElMatador69 can report back.

@ Mazi:
1. I tried with localhost, which machine name and fully qualified machine name - each with instance and port
2. Yes, I "used" LimeSurvey - I still wonder why I had to create a new account on the WebSite and why all related information (forum, bugtracker & documention) to my account isn't available anymore...

@ fvanderstarre: I think the requirements are fulfilled - I copied the mentioned files and activated the php extension. For the installer the requirements are OK - see attached screenshots.

@ LouisGac: Thx for the link - I'll give it a try adjust connection pooling parameter and check firewall settings inlcuding ports.

c_schmitz found the issue - see ticket in bugtracker.
This is a bug in latest official PHP MSSQL drivers, which can be downloaded from Microsoft WebSite.

I can confirm using the PHP MSSQL driver "php_pdo_sqlsrv_4.1.1_x64" from Github instead of "4.0.8629.2" fixed my issue.