Uninstalling SQL Server Express 2014 Completely

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When you're finished using or testing a version of SQL Server Express, it's essential to completely remove all its components from your system. This article will walk you through a step-by-step process on how to achieve this for Microsoft SQL Server Express 2014.

Prerequisites:

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1. Make sure that no instances of SQL Server are currently running.

2. Backup any crucial data and configurations stored in the default or user-defined locations, as removing these may result in permanent loss.

Step 1: Uninstall Using Control Panel

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### Step 1a:

1. Open Control Panel by searching for it using Start > Search (Windows 8/10) or Start > All Programs > Control Panel.

2. Under Programs and Features, locate the following entries related to SQL Server Express 2014:

+ Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Express

+ Microsoft SQL Server Client Tools 2014

+ Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 2014 SP1 or later, if installed separately.

3. Right-click each entry and select Uninstall.

### Step 2b:

If any remaining components persist after the above steps, you may need to manually remove them using the following instructions below.

Step 2: Manually Remove Remaining Components

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### Step 2a: Backup Registry

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard.

2. Type `regedit` and press Enter.

3. In the Registry Editor, go to File > Export...`.

4. On the next screen, select either of these options:

+ Export all subkeys (and values) under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE

+ Export only the following keys (with all subkey and value data):

- HKCU\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunOnceEx

5. Choose a location to save your backup file, give it an appropriate name like `SQLServer2014Backup`, then click Next twice.

6. When prompted for whether you are sure that you want to delete these files without being able to restore them later, select Yes.

### Step 2b: Delete Registry Keys

1. In the left-hand side of Regedit, navigate through these keys and right-click on each one:

- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Microsoft SQL Server

- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\MSSQLServer

2. Select Delete for both entries.

3. If prompted with a warning asking if you are sure that you want to delete these keys and all their subkeys, select Yes.

### 2c: Delete Additional Keys (Optional)

If the above steps do not completely remove SQL Server components from your system, you may also need to manually delete additional registry entries. Be cautious when performing this step as incorrect modifications can lead to further issues with other applications or even cause Windows instability:

1. In Regedit, navigate through these keys and right-click on each one:

- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\MSCEP

- HKeys under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\SQL Server

### Step 2d: Delete Remaining Files & Folders (Optional)

If you still encounter issues after completing the above steps, it's recommended to manually delete any remaining files and folders associated with SQL Server Express. Be extremely careful when performing these actions as they can potentially remove other critical system components:

1. Open File Explorer or use Windows + E on your keyboard.

2. Navigate through these common locations where SQL Server-related data might be stored:

- C:\\Program Files

+ Microsoft\\Microsoft SQL Server\

- C:\\ProgramData

3. Look for directories and files with names containing 'SQL', delete them all.

Step 3: Validate Complete Removal

After completing the above steps, restart your computer to ensure that any remaining processes or services related to SQL Server have been fully terminated.

To validate complete removal:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check for any instances of `sqlservr.exe` or other associated processes.

2. In Regedit (regedit), navigate through the following keys:

+ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE

- Look for any remaining entries related to SQL Server Express 2014, delete them if found.

If you've successfully followed all these instructions and your system is now free from any traces of Microsoft SQL Server Express 2014, congratulations! You can now safely proceed with reinstalling a newer version or another database management system that suits your needs.

Sql server express 2014