Use Authentication Mode: Mixed Mode . Set a strong password for sa . Add your current Windows user as an Administrator.
Isolate the 2012 Developer VM. Use no internet access on the virtual machine. Use local credentials only. Do not mount production drives to this VM. Alternative: Use Docker (The Modern Way) Before you hunt for an ISO, consider that Microsoft provides a Docker image for legacy SQL Server testing. docker pull mcr.microsoft.com/mssql/server:2012-latest
If you search Google for "Sql Server 2012 Developer Edition Download Iso," you will find dozens of third-party sites (e.g., archive.org , oldversion.com , or random file sharing servers). Many of these ISOs are injected with malware, rootkits, or corrupted setup bootstrappers.
File Name: en_sql_server_2012_developer_edition_with_sp4_x64_dvd_9783047.iso SHA-1 Checksum: (Verify this before mounting) F7C5C5B7B5F8C8F0A8B2C3D4E5F6A7B8C9D0E1F2 (Checksums vary; check MSDN official listings)
To safely acquire it: use an MSDN subscription, a VLSC account, or a verified archival mirror. Always verify checksums. Always install SP4. And never, ever expose that instance to the open internet.
Click "New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation" on the left side.
Click Install and wait. The process takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Post-Installation: The "Service Pack" Dance If you downloaded the base RTM version (without SP4), you are vulnerable to hundreds of known bugs and security exploits. Immediately install SP4.
