Yesterday, I tried to install SQL Server Express 2012 on my windows 8 PC and in the middle of the installation process I get an error like this:
                         Configuration error description: Wait on the Database Engine recovery handle failed.

I continued with the installation and at the end of the installation process, it showed me error that some of the SQL Services installed successfully while some other were not successfully installed.Here are the screenshots of the error and the failed installation :
SQL Server 2012 Installation Error-Wait on the Database Engine Recovery Handle FailedWait on the Database Engine Recovery Handle Failed
I copied the error and searched it over the Internet.After six hours of struggle and googling, I was able to overcome this error and ended with successful installation of SQL Server 2012 on my windows 8 computer.The solution of this problem is quite easy. I found many different suggestions for solving it but none of them was complete or demonstrated properly.So I decided to write a post for solving this error.Here is the easiest way to solve this error:
  • First you need to Uninstall all the previous Installations of SQL Server.If you tried to install SQL Server 2008 or SQL Server 2005,uninstall them as well.You not only need to uninstall them,also you need to delete all the registry values related to SQL server.For this I suggest you to Uninstall all the instances of SQL Server using Revo Uninstaller.  Click Here to go to download page .
  • Revo Uninstaller enable you to scan for registry files and remaining files after the default uninstallation. Delete all the registry values and remaining files.
  • Also Navigate to C:Program FilesMicrosoft SQL Server and delete all the files present in the folder.Restart your PC.
  • Now Double click on the SQL Server setup to begin the installation and proceed with the default settings.When you come to Server ConfigurationScreen, Change the Account Name of Database Engine Service to NT AUTHORITYNETWORK SERVICE and continue installation and it will successfully install all components without any error.
SQL Server 2012 Installation Error-Wait on the Database Engine Recovery Handle Failed solved
  • If, after changing the Account Name to  NT AUTHORITYNETWORK SERVICE, you are getting validation error it means that your previous installation files of SQL Server are not completely removed.Try to change the Instance name of the SQL Server.Also delete all the registry files of previous installations.
SQL Server 2012 Installation Error-Wait on the Database Engine Recovery Handle Failed
This simple solution worked for me straightway.Let me know whether your problem is solved or not by commenting below.