How to change or reinstall the SQL Server instance used by RMAD (4380471)

In some circumstances the SQL Server instance used by the already installed RMAD application needs to be modified, upgraded, or reinstalled. What are the steps to properly do this?

The SQL databases used by RMAD are used as temporary storage for comparison reports or for a persistence forest recovery project. Neither is critical to the operation of the product and does not store the configuration of the application; therefore, it can be uninstalled and reinstalled to any target SQL server of your choice if needed without issues, as long as it is a supported version listed in the Release Notes documentation.

Before making any modifications, you can use the following KB article to know and confirm which SQL Server instance is currently being used by your existing RMAD installation:

https://support.quest.com/kb/4216848

Follow these steps to properly modify your existing RMAD installation and make the SQL Server instance changes before reinstalling:

1. Using the appropriate RMAD MSI installation file, after you run it, choose the "Modify" option to then remove only the features below, depending on the RMAD edition:

- "Reporting" feature (RMAD All editions)
- "Forest Recovery Persistence" feature (RMAD FE and DRE only)

2. Make the SQL Server changes (if you would like to uninstall or upgrade the SQL Express instance installed by RMAD, this is the time to do it)

3. Reinstall the same RMAD application features that were removed using the same MSI installer used in step 1 and choose the "Modify" option again.

4. If you would like RMAD to install its SQL Express instance or use another one of your preference, make sure you select the appropriate option in the installation wizard.

5. Follow the rest of the installation wizard steps until it successfully finishes.