How to Uninstall Enterprise Vault – Step-by-Step Guide
Enterprise Vault is a widely used archiving tool, but there are times when uninstalling it becomes necessary. Whether you’re upgrading, troubleshooting, or transitioning to another solution, this guide will walk you through the process of uninstalling Enterprise Vault efficiently and safely.
This detailed guide covers:
- Introduction to Enterprise Vault and why you might uninstall it.
- Step-by-step instructions for uninstallation.
- Tips for a smooth removal process.
- FAQs to address common concerns.
Enterprise Vault
Enterprise Vault, developed by Veritas, is a powerful archiving tool designed for organizations to manage and store emails, files, and other critical data. Despite its utility, there may be scenarios where you need to uninstall it, such as:
- Upgrading to a newer version.
- Transitioning to a different solution.
- Resolving persistent errors or performance issues.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to ensure the uninstallation process is seamless.
How to Uninstall Enterprise Vault
To uninstall Enterprise Vault successfully, follow these steps:
Prepare for Uninstallation
Before starting the uninstallation, ensure you’ve taken the necessary precautions:
Backup Your Data: Archive any critical information to avoid data loss.
Verify Permissions: Ensure you have administrative privileges on the server.
Stop Related Services: Stop Enterprise Vault services to prevent conflicts during the uninstallation.

Uninstall via Control Panel
Access Programs and Features:
Open the Control Panel and navigate to Programs and Features (or Add/Remove Programs on older versions).
Locate Enterprise Vault:
Scroll through the list of installed programs and select Veritas Enterprise Vault.
Start the Uninstallation:
Click on Uninstall and follow the prompts to remove the software.
Remove Associated Components
Sometimes, related components like SQL databases, configuration files, or registry entries might remain. Clean these up to ensure complete removal:
Delete SQL Databases: Manually delete the Enterprise Vault databases if they are no longer needed.
Check the File System: Remove folders such as C:\Program Files (x86)\Enterprise Vault
.
Registry Cleanup: Open the Windows Registry Editor and search for “Enterprise Vault” to remove leftover entries.
Verify the Uninstallation
Restart the System:
Reboot the server to finalize the process.
Check for Remnants:
Confirm that no Enterprise Vault services are running.
Use a third-party uninstaller to check for leftover files, if necessary.
How to Uninstall Enterprise Vault:
- Backup data and stop related services.
- Uninstall via Control Panel.
- Remove leftover files and registry entries.
- Restart and verify removal.
Why Proper Uninstallation Matters
Incomplete uninstallation can lead to:
Conflicts with new software installations.
Performance issues on the server.
Potential security vulnerabilities from leftover files.
By following the steps above, you can avoid these risks.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Uninstallation Fails Midway
Ensure all services are stopped and no related processes are running. How To Uninstall Enterprise Vault Use Task Manager to terminate them if necessary.

Leftover Files and Registry Entries
Use tools like CCleaner or manual cleanup to remove these remnants.
Database Connection Errors After Uninstallation
Ensure SQL databases are properly removed or reconfigured.
FAQs About Uninstalling Enterprise Vault
1. Can I reinstall Enterprise Vault after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall it. Ensure all leftover files and registry entries are removed to avoid conflicts.
2. Will uninstalling Enterprise Vault delete archived data?
No, archived data stored externally will not be deleted. However, backups are always recommended.
3. Do I need to stop services manually before uninstalling?
Yes, stopping services manually helps prevent errors during the uninstallation process.
4. Are there tools to automate the uninstallation process?
Yes, third-party uninstallation tools like Revo Uninstaller can help. However, manual cleanup is often necessary.
5. How long does the uninstallation process take?
Depending on your server’s performance and configuration, it typically takes 30–60 minutes.