> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.security.gallagher.com/knowledge-hub/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.security.gallagher.com/knowledge-hub/deployment-resources/engineering-and-design-reference/migrate-and-upgrade/remove-an-sql-server-instance.md).

# Remove an SQL Server instance

A site may have multiple SQL instances, for example GALLAGHER, GALLAGHER1, or SQLEXPRESS. A default Command Centre install expects to create a `GALLAGHER` instance, so an existing instance can get in the way. Removing an unused instance is also useful when an instance is blocking a SQL upgrade.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Use the **same installer version** as the version installed.
{% endhint %}

### Steps

1. **Extract the install files.** Create a new folder under the C drive, for example `C:\SQLEXPR`. Run `SQLEXPR_x64_ENU.exe` from `…\Setup\SQLInstall\` on the Gallagher install media, and set the extract path to `C:\SQLEXPR\`.

   !\[Choose Directory For Extracted Files dialog with the path set to C:\SQLEXPR]\(../.gitbook/assets/SECHUB-iut-sql-instance-removal-01-extract-path.png)
2. **Remove the instance.** Open a Command Prompt and move to the SQL folder:

   ```
   cd c:\SQLEXPR
   setup.exe /action="uninstall"
   ```

   Select the instance to remove and click Next.

   ![Remove SQL Server, Select Instance page, with the instance to remove features from chosen from the drop-down list of installed instances](https://3862776825-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Feem9HLOjc53n2VxEz3Cq%2Fuploads%2FEP9k18gFHwq1z81vpL8J%2FSECHUB-iut-sql-instance-removal-02-select-instance.png?alt=media\&token=fff3a722-943b-4f7d-9127-355636a8d731)

   Click **Select All**, then click Next. Note that the **SQL Client Connectivity SDK is NOT checked**.

   ![Remove SQL Server, Select Features page, with the instance features ticked and Shared Features SQL Client Connectivity SDK left unticked](https://3862776825-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Feem9HLOjc53n2VxEz3Cq%2Fuploads%2FLtno53q9K0Iy1vg6L3sc%2FSECHUB-iut-sql-instance-removal-03-select-features.png?alt=media\&token=53c5dd94-c2b0-4809-a945-ef9bdfb4307c)

The instance is then uninstalled.


---

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