Exchange 2010 SP1 fails with: Setup previously failed while performing the action “Uninstall”.

While installing Microsoft Exchange 2010 SP1, the setup might fail with the following error

Setup previously failed while performing the action "Uninstall". You can't resume setup by performing the action "BuildToBuildUpgrade".

The error will look like the below depending if you are using the GUI or CLI

To solve this problem you will need to edit the registry using regedit tool

Disclaimer: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. ZeroHourSleep cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

On the Exchange server you are having trouble open open regedit and browse to HKLocalMachine\Software\Microsoft\ExchangeServer\V14 and check the roles Keys, MailboxRole in my case, and delete the Action and Watermark keys.

You should be fine to roll now

About Antoine Khater

I have been working in IT consultancy and solution integration since 1998 and I consider myself lucky to be, one in a few, making a living out of my passion. I am also member of the famous Experts Exchange (profile here) online community where I try my best to share what I have learned along the road.