I had a temporary need to use MS SQL server, so I installed Microsoft SQL Server 2016 CTP3.3 on my Windows 7 machine because it was easily available. It installed successfully, and I was able to get my work done with it. However, I no longer need it anymore. When I try to uninstall it using the Windows 7 Programs and Features control panel, I get the following error:
Error Message Text:
The operating system on this computer or its service pack level does not meet the minimum requirements for SQL Server 2016 CTP3.3. To determine the minimum required operating system supported for this SQL Sever release, see Hardware and Software Requirements for installing SQL Server 2016 CTP3.3 at:
Checking the link (which redirects to ms143506), it appears SQL Server 2016 does not support Windows 7, only Windows 8 and above.
You read that right, the installer appears to only check to see if OS is supported on uninstall, but happily allowed installation on an unsupported OS. This seems to prevent the software from being removed at all.
How can I work around this problem and successfully remove SQL Server 2016 CTP3.3 from my Windows 7 computer?
Best Answer
I figured it out. Apparently the MS SQL Server installer also has a remove/uninstall function that separate from the one that gets invoked from the Programs and Features control panel. Luckily I saved the installer file.
What I did:
SSMS-Full-Setup.exe
in my case).Remove
button should be available. Click it.