I used a solution mentioned here. It worked for me.
- Check the SQL Server Service Account name.
- Check and verify the Certificate name. (It is configured in SQL Server Configuration Manager --> SQL Server Network Configuration --> Protocols for MSSQLSERVER --> Right CLick here and go to Properties --> In 'Certificate' tab, you can see a Certificate name.)
- Go to 'RUN', type 'MMC', and press 'Enter'.
- Go to 'File' --> Add/Remove Snap-in.
- Select 'Certificate' and click on the 'Add' button. Select appropriate options (from 'My User Account / Service Account / Computer Account').
- Click on the 'OK' button on the 'Add or Remove Snap-ins' window screen.
- On the 'Console1' window, go to the 'Console Root' option.
- Expand 'Certificates' --> Personnel --> Certificates.
Here you will see the list of certificates.
- Go to the certificate (which is configured in Step 2)
- Right-click on that and go to 'All Tasks' --> Manage Private Keys...
- Click on the 'Add' button and add the SQL Service Account here (from Step 1). Give all permission to this account.
- Now, try to start the SQL Services.
