Cannot remove SQL Server 2008 RC0

Before attempting to install the released version of SQL Server 2008, I
attempted to remove RC0 via Add/Remove Programs. This goes through (and
passes) a list of initial requirements, then fails with the following error:


TITLE: SQL Server Setup failure.
------------------------------

SQL Server Setup has encountered the following error:

MsiGetProductInfo failed to retrieve ProductVersion for package with Product
Code = '{223CE6B1-21C8-4BC5-8C64-5C28CF9D8F11}'. Error code: 1608..

------------------------------
BUTTONS:

OK
------------------------------


Is there some way to force removal of RC0?



--
Dave Anderson

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Did you try manually running that GUID using msiexec /x ?

Did you try manually running that GUID using msiexec /x ?

Also, you can use the RTM setup to remove the 2008 instance, I think.

I asked for a standalone, forceful removal tool, and I was promised one
here:

connect.microsoft.com/sql/feedback/ViewFeedback.aspx?FeedbackID=329054

Richard says "this should be done" but I have not been given any indication
of where to find such a utility.  Unless he means that this functionality is
included in the regular setup tool.

Cannot remove SQL Server 2008 RC0

Do you mean the GUID that MsiGetProductInfo failed to retrieve the
ProductVersion for? That would seem to be counterproductive, wouldn't it?




It would be nice to see such a tool. I now think this may actually have
something to do with VS2008:
http://coolthingoftheday.blogspot.com/2008/08/sql-server-2008-rtm-requiresinstalls.html

I have VS2008 with SP1 Beta 1. I don't remember installing SP1 Beta 1, so I
assume it came with SQL Server 2008 RC0. I am at a standstill -- I can't
uninstall RC0, and I can't install the full release. I suppose I can attempt
to install the full SP1 and see what that does...



--
Dave Anderson

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Maybe, but I'll ask again, DID YOU TRY IT?

Maybe, but I'll ask again, DID YOU TRY IT?  It took longer for you to type
your objection than it would have to try it.  It has worked for me in the
past when add/remove programs couldn't clean up SQL Server (with similar
error messages).  And yes I am talking about SQL Server bits, not crapware
from around the web.  I don't know why you can't take a suggestion seriously
instead of trying to make the suggester to feel like an idiot.  To each his
own, I suppose.

I notice you didn't answer whether you tried the remove instance/feature
option in the RTM setup utility.  Did you try it?


You could uninstall Visual Studio, then you will be able to install RTM
(and/or remove RC0... I prefer clean installs but they do not have to be
mutually exclusive, I have one system where they run side-by-side just
fine).  You could also choose to upgrade your RC0 instance instead of trying
to remove it first.  When SQL Server is happy, reinstall Visual Studio, and
then VS2008 SP1.

Cannot remove SQL Server 2008 RC0

Wow. I was merely noting that the language of the error did not suggest that
the installer was attempting to remove that GUID, so I had no way of knowing
whether I *should* be removing it, not knowing what it was. Is it part of
the .NET framework? Is it part of Visual Studio? Could removing it break
something else?

I can't imagine how I could take a suggestion *more* seriously than to think
about it.

But since everything else is pointing toward an OS rebuild anyway, I tried.
It does not appear that this package exists.



I don't know what you mean by "RTM setup utility". After exhausting all of
the options I could find for removing it, I tried installing the version
that is available for download on MSDN
(en_sql_server_2008_developer_x86_x64_ia64_dvd_x14-88839.iso, 08-06-2008).
This results in the same error, whether I try an upgrade or a new
installation.



It looks like I will have to try this next. VS2008 SP1 alone did not do the
trick.

Incidentally, this appears only to affect me because of RC0. Other members
of my team who had identically configured machines (sans RC0) have had
smooth sailing.


--
Dave Anderson

Unsolicited commercial email will be read at a cost of $500 per message. Use
of this email address implies consent to these terms.

Ended up having the same problem - turns out this is the sync

Ended up having the same problem - turns out this is the Microsoft sync
service CTP.  Go into add and remove programs and get rid of it - that gets
it past this issue.