after i tick 'accept the license terms, the 'please wait while SQL Server Setup processes the current operation' window disappears and installation does not go ahead..

this is the end of the log file from %temp%:
09/05/2015 17:12:52.469 Removing entry ("MICROSOFT.NETENTERPRISESERVERS.EXCEPTIONMESSAGEBOX.RESOURCES", "Native")
09/05/2015 17:12:52.469 Saved .Net security policy file
09/05/2015 17:12:52.469 Attempting to release setup mutex
09/05/2015 17:12:52.469 Setup mutex has been released
09/05/2015 17:12:52.479 SQM: 2 SQM data files are queued to be uploaded
09/05/2015 17:12:52.899 SQM: Uploading file C:\Users\MBruevich\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\110\SQLSQLSETUP00.DAT completed with status: hr = -2147012866  Http Response = 0.
09/05/2015 17:12:53.219 SQM: Uploading file C:\Users\MBruevich\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\110\SQLSQLSETUP01.DAT completed with status: hr = 0  Http Response = 200.
09/05/2015 17:12:53.219 SQM: SqmWaitForUploadComplete() returns with success
09/05/2015 17:12:53.219 Setup closed with exit code: 0x80070003

first tried to install the SQL server express 2012 from scratch on my Dell laptop Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit system.. said the 64 version was the wrong format but the x86 version seemed compatible. however, failed to install sql 2012.
then tried to install x86 SQL Express 2008 R2 and success, it was installed ok.  however, i cant upgrade to 2012 or re-install it due to the above error... :(

i have tried to remove the sql registry keys and folders before each installation, changed the security settings to 'full control' for all users (am the only user of this computer anyway!), tried to install it from the command prompt...!!! nothing helps.
any ideas what else can i do???!

• Edited by bluetail14 12 hours 23 minutes ago more detail

Hello,

Please refer to the following post:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/sqljourney/archive/2012/05/07/sql-2008-2008-r2-setup-disappears-fails-when-installing-setup-support-files.aspx

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Alberto Morillo
SQLCoffee.com

i have tried to remove the sql registry keys and folders before each installation, changed the security settings to 'full control' for all users (am the only user of this computer anyway!), tried to install it from the command prompt...!!! nothing helps.
any ideas what else can i do???!

Above is the reason why setup files disappear, you should be cautious while playing with registries. If link what Alberto suggested does not works you can follow below un-installation method. Please do it on your own risk this is basically not supported but down the line MS guys do this as well.

1. Clear every thing from temp folder. Go to run type %temp% and then delete all contents. If some files are locked leave it. You might not be able to remove everything

2. Below Solution (about removing reg keys) will work correctly for SQL Server having Just one instance. If you have multiple instances and you have messed up SQL Server installation please contact Microsoft Support personal to get better guidance on removal of SQL Server. Please DONT use this method if you are new to SQL Server take help of experienced DBA to locate proper registry keys and remove them if you are not confident at all it would be better calling Microsoft Support.

Note: Removing necessary registry entries might cause SQL Server instance to crash so backup registry before doing changes.

• 1. Uninstall the existing SQL Server  and all the components from the add remove program.
• 2. Backup the registry .
• 3. Delete the following keys using regedit:
  • --HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server
  • --HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MSSQLServer
• 4. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall and delete all the sub-keys referencing SQL Server.
• 5. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services and delete all the keys referencing SQL Server.
• 6. Rename all the SQL Server folders in the computer.
• 7. Reboot the machine.