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?

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.

On 8/20/08 12:37 PM, in article emyLbMuAJHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl, "Dave
Anderson" spammotel.com> wrote:

Aaron Bertrand [SQL Server MVP] wrote:

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...

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?

Aaron Bertrand [SQL Server MVP] wrote:

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?