How To Uninstall Sql Server

Are you looking to uninstall SQL Server from your computer? Whether you’re upgrading to a newer version or simply no longer need it, uninstalling SQL Server can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. In this article, we will guide you through the process of uninstalling SQL Server completely from your system. Let’s get started!

Before You Begin

Before you begin the uninstallation process, it is important to take a few precautions to ensure a smooth and successful removal of SQL Server. Here are some things you should do:

1. Backup Your Databases

Before uninstalling SQL Server, it is essential to backup all your databases. This step is crucial to avoid any permanent loss of data. You can use the SQL Server Management Studio to easily backup your databases by following these steps:

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Connect to the SQL Server instance that contains the databases you want to backup.
3. Right-click on the database you want to backup and select “Tasks”> “Backup”.
4. Choose the desired backup destination and click “OK” to start the backup process.

2. Save Your Configuration Settings

Before uninstalling SQL Server, it is also a good idea to save your configuration settings. This will help you if you decide to reinstall SQL Server in the future or if you need to refer back to your previous settings. To save your configuration settings, follow these steps:

1. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager.
2. Take note of the settings for each SQL Server component installed on your system.
3. Save the settings in a text file or document for future reference.

Uninstalling SQL Server

Now that you have taken the necessary precautions, it’s time to uninstall SQL Server from your computer. Follow these steps to uninstall SQL Server:

1. Open the Control Panel

To uninstall SQL Server, you need to access the Control Panel on your computer. You can do this by following these steps:

1. Click on the “Start” button.
2. Search for “Control Panel”.
3. Click on the “Control Panel” application to open it.

2. Navigate to “Programs and Features”

Once you have opened the Control Panel, navigate to the “Programs and Features” section. This section contains a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Follow these steps to access it:

1. Click on the “Programs” category.
2. Click on the “Programs and Features” option.

3. Find and Uninstall SQL Server

In the “Programs and Features” section, locate SQL Server in the list of installed programs. It should appear as “Microsoft SQL Server” followed by the version number. Once you have found it, follow these steps to uninstall SQL Server:

1. Right-click on SQL Server and select “Uninstall”.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
3. Repeat this step for any other SQL Server components installed on your system.

4. Remove SQL Server Files and Folders

After uninstalling SQL Server, there may still be some residual files and folders left on your system. To completely remove SQL Server, you need to delete these files and folders manually. Follow these steps to remove them:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the installation directory of SQL Server. The default installation directory is usually “C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server”.
3. Delete the SQL Server folder and all its subfolders.

5. Clean Up the Registry

The last step in uninstalling SQL Server is to clean up the registry. The registry contains information about the installed programs on your computer, and it is important to remove any references to SQL Server. Follow these steps to clean up the registry:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server
4. Delete the “Microsoft SQL Server” folder.
5. Repeat this step for the following registry keys:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server

Once you have deleted these registry keys, close the Registry Editor.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully uninstalled SQL Server from your computer. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth and complete removal of SQL Server. Remember to always backup your databases and save your configuration settings before uninstalling any software. If you ever need to reinstall SQL Server in the future, you can refer back to your backups and configuration settings for a seamless setup. Happy uninstalling!