I installed Windows Server 2008 as my OS, but I dislike the SQL Server Express which it provided by default, so I changed to SQL Sever 2008 Enterprise.
The problem is, I don't know how to remove the SQL Server Express edition. In Programs and Features under the Control Panel, I can't find the installation of SQL Server Express which was provided with the OS by default. I only see the SQL Sever 2008 Enterprise edition I installed.
Any suggestions?
Best Answer
I believe you might have Window Small Business Server Edition which among other things will install SQL Server 2008 R2 Express during setup.
If you can confirm that is the product you have, which I believe would show up under System Information, then you are stuck with SQL Server Express installation. Like the other products (Exchange, SharePoint, etc) Small Business server is meant to be a complete package and generally not let you remove any of the features. You may find a backend way to "remove" it but you bring the possibily of corrupting the OS installation.
You will basically have to just leave it disabled while you use the Enterprise Edition. However I would keep in mind that there is alot of resources being taken up on the server by those additional features.