In an effort to become prepared for using the latest versions of SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio 2005, I decided I would try uninstalling what I had on my PC instead of just rebuilding it. So far, things have been pretty good. I used the Add/Remove Programs dialog to remove all of the components I could find for both applications, starting with SQL Server.

When trying to reinstall SQL 2k5, I kept getting prompted with a message saying there were still old components installed. I tried running the tool on the CD to clean up after old versions of SQL server, but would get errors with it. So, I decided to do some research. I actually found the solution on the Visual Studio 2005 beta 2 disk. Here it is:

1.2.21.   Setup has detected that previous versions of the listed product(s) are installed and need to be uninstalled.

Previous version of the products are still installed on the system after removing them using Add or Remove Programs.

    • Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Beta

    • J# Redistributable Package 2.0 Beta

. To resolve this issue

For .NET Framework 2.0 Beta:

    From a command window, run

        msiexec /x {71F8EFBF-09AF-418D-91F1-52707CDFA274}

For J# Redistributable Package 2.0 Beta:

    From a command window, run

        msiexec /x {9046F10C-F5E7-4871-BED9-8288F19C70DF}

I ran both of these lines from a command window, rebooted, and tada! SQL Server installed! I hope someone else finds this little chunk of information useful!