Full text search installed or not

Question

I have instaled SQL server 2008 R2 and when I run this SQL in SQL server management studio:

SELECT FULLTEXTSERVICEPROPERTY('IsFullTextInstalled')

I get 0

But If I run this:

SELECT * FROM sys.fulltext_catalogs

I get one row. I want to know If fulltext search is installed on my sql server or do I need to reinstall SQL server with advance options.

Please suggest.

Answer 1

My answer:

If FULLTEXTSERVICEPROPERTY says it's not installed, then I would install from the original media. Run through the installer and simply add Full Text Search from the features page.

FTS is fully in the SQL Engine in 2008 so if it thinks it isn't installed, then ya best make it happy.

My opinions/ponderings:

Did you move a database from a previous SQL installation that had full text installed? That might explain the row in sys.fulltext_catalogs.

When you open a Database in SSMS, under the Storage Folder, Full Text Catalog folder do you have the option to add a New Catalog when you right click?

In SQL Configuration Manager do you see the Full Text Daemon Launcher service?

Answer 2

I just made the test on a new SQL Server 2016 Express installation without fulltext feature (did not used the "Advanced Services" setup).

I can confirm you can perfectly create fulltext catalogs on databases even if fulltext feature is not intalled.

But if you try to create a fulltext index, you'll get a clear error message stating the feature is missing :

Executing :

CREATE FULLTEXT INDEX ON dbo.tbltxt(coltext)  
   KEY INDEX ui_tbltxt   
   WITH STOPLIST = SYSTEM;  
GO 

...will throws error :

Msg 7609, Level 17, State 5, Line 87 Full-Text Search is not installed, or a full-text component cannot be loaded.

Answer 3

Easy way

SELECT 
CASE FULLTEXTSERVICEPROPERTY('IsFullTextInstalled')
    WHEN 1 THEN 'Full-Text installed.' 
    ELSE 'Full-Text is NOT installed.' 
END;

inspired by https://www.sqlshack.com/hands-full-text-search-sql-server/