I have been trying to install SQL 2012 on Windows Server essentials 2012 R2 but the same error continues to come up. Repeated Many times from Clean install. All the SQL error logs show that the service "Failed", but give no indications as to why. Looking in the event log I find that the "Fallback" couldn't get a certificate for SSL? This is the only error and the problem causes the database engine to not start/install. Of course, many other problems then come up but this is where it starts. Anyone with ANY ideas, please let me know as this is for a new replacement server in the business and has already been an unrealistic set of problems.
As a quick secondary, is there a simple way to get the new Server to recognize that the old is Server 2003. Raised the level on the 2003 box to 2003, and it shows the correct settings in reg, etc. but the new box still thinks it's 2000. I'm going to rebuild the entire domain at this point, but a quick fix would be nice.