Introduction

SQL Server is the engine that powers Act, the popular Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Sometimes, you may need to uninstall SQL Server before upgrading Act or making any changes to your CRM system. In this blog post, Tony Holowitz, an expert in Act and CRM solutions, will guide you through the process of uninstalling SQL Server.

Step 1: Accessing the Control Panel

To begin the uninstallation process, navigate to the Control Panel. There are different ways to access the Control Panel, but you can use the search area and type “Control Panel” to find it quickly. Once you’re in the Control Panel, select “Uninstall a Program” to proceed.

Step 2: Sorting the Software List

Upon entering the “Uninstall a Program” section, ensure that the software list is sorted by name. Tony recommends clicking on the name column to sort the list alphabetically, making it easier to find specific software.

Step 3: Uninstalling Microsoft SQL Server

Look for “Microsoft SQL Server” in the list. Click on it to select it and then click on “Uninstall” to initiate the uninstallation process. A User Account Control (UAC) pop-up might appear, requesting permission to proceed. Click “Yes” to grant permission.

Step 4: Removing SQL Server Components

The uninstallation process consists of removing several components of SQL Server. These components may include:

1. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 r2
2. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Native Client
3. Microsoft SQL Server Setup Support Files
4. Microsoft SQL Server VSS Writer
5. Microsoft SQL Server Browser

Each component will be removed one by one, and you may encounter additional UAC prompts during this process. Trust the prompts and click “Next” to proceed with the removal.

Step 5: Finalizing the Uninstallation

Once all the components have been uninstalled, you will receive a message indicating that the SQL Server 2008 r2 removal was successful. Click on “Close” to close the uninstallation wizard.

Step 6: Restarting the Computer

After uninstalling SQL Server, Tony recommends restarting your computer. This step helps ensure that all changes take effect and prepares your system for the next steps.

Step 7: Installing Act

With SQL Server successfully uninstalled and your computer restarted, you are now ready to proceed with the installation or upgrade of Act. Follow the appropriate instructions for installing the new version of Act and enjoy the enhanced features and capabilities of your CRM software.

Conclusion

Uninstalling SQL Server before upgrading Act or making changes to your CRM system is a crucial step to ensure a smooth and efficient process. With Tony Holowitz’s step-by-step guide, you can confidently uninstall SQL Server and prepare your system for the next steps in your CRM journey.

For personalized assistance and expert insights on Act and CRM solutions, feel free to reach out to Tony Holowitz, an Act certified consultant. His expertise will help you optimize your CRM software and enhance your business’s sales, marketing, and customer service performance.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is based on the knowledge available up to September 2021. The process of uninstalling SQL Server may vary depending on the specific version and configuration of your system. Please verify the details and follow the official instructions provided by the software manufacturer.