Removing Oracle Database Software

If you want to remove an Oracle software installation, you can use the deinstallation tool to completely uninstall the software from your computer.

Starting with Oracle Database 12c, the deinstallation tool is integrated with the database installation media. You can run the deinstallation tool using the runInstaller command with the -deinstall and -home options from the base directory of the Oracle Database, Oracle Database Client or Oracle Grid Infrastructure installation media.

The deinstallation Tool (deinstall) is also available in Oracle home directories after installation as $ORACLE_HOME/deinstall/deinstall.

The default method for running the deinstallation tool is from the deinstall directory in the Oracle home as the installation owner:

To remove an Oracle home from your computer:

  1. Execute the deinstallation tool using these commands: 
    $ cd $ORACLE_HOME
$ $ORACLE_HOME/deinstall/deinstall

    Note:

    Do not shut down the Oracle database or stop any database processes prior to running the deinstallation tool.

  2. Enter the specified information at the prompts, or just press Enter to accept the default values.
  3. When prompted, follow the directions to run the root script. You must be the root user to do so.

See Also:

Oracle Database Installation Guide for your platform for more information about the deinstallation tool