Uninstalling a SQL Server 2005 Express instance

Uninstalling SQL Server Express removes the SQL Server Express software, but the geodatabase files you created remain on the computer. If at a later time you reinstall SQL Server Express and want to use the geodatabase files you had previously created, you need to attach them or restore them from backup files.

Note:

You must be a Windows administrator to uninstall programs from the computer.

Steps:

1. Open the Windows Control Panel.
2. On Windows XP and Server 2003 operating systems (OS), double-click the Add or Remove Programs icon. On Windows Vista or Server 2008, double-click Programs and Features.
3. Select Microsoft SQL Server 2005 from the program list and click Remove.
4. Select the correct instance to remove from the Component Selection dialog box.

   For example, if you used the instance name SQLEXPRESS, choose SQLEXPRESS:Database Engine.

5. Click Next.
6. Click Finish to confirm that you want to uninstall this instance.