MSSQL Instance won't remove

[randle]

Hi

 

I'm trying to remove a MSSQL 2005 Express instance from my server however when using ARP to uninstall this it completes with no error but the instance is still listed in the "Select an instance" list under the "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Uninstall" window. Also the MSSQL.1 folder is still present under "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server"

 

I need to re-install this instance using the same name due to a problem so need to remove this first from the system before I attempt a re-install.

 

Any ideas?

[Mcshammer_dj]

The folder will always stay when you delete as the data files are not deleted when you remove an SQL server.

[srochford]

Have you tried this - How to uninstall an instance of SQL Server 2005 manually

 

It gives details of how to manually remove the instance of SQL 2005

[randle]

I have seen the article prior to starting this thread but doesn't appear to cover the problem I'm having as performing the "%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Setup Bootstrap\ARPWrapper.exe /Remove" command just runs the same process as ARP and have done this but the instance is still shown in the list even after completing this.

[srochford]

I have seen the article prior to starting this thread but doesn't appear to cover the problem I'm having as performing the "%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Setup Bootstrap\ARPWrapper.exe /Remove" command just runs the same process as ARP and have done this but the instance is still shown in the list even after completing this.

 

Have you gone all the way through that article? The arpwrapper bit is just the start - it seems to go into a mass of detail about finding GUIDs and removing stuff with MSICUU etc and looked pretty thorough!

[randle]

I haven't tbh. I'm in the process of doing that right now as it goes.......Lazy

[randle]

@jinnantonnix: I'm not able to connect to the instance in SQLSMSE to run a query. I've only had the occasional encounter with SQL so you'll have to be patient with me.

[randle]

Found this site in the end which did the job. Tidied everything up nicely and installed a new instance over the top with no problems.

 

Thanks for your time