3540723 - Additional Information about removal of previous versions within SAP BusinessObjects BusinessIntelligence (BO/BI)

Previous versions of SAP BusinessObjects are seen in Inventory.txt and uninstall applications in OS

• SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence 4.x
• SAP Crystal Server SPs(All)
• All relevant OS

Removal of SAP BusinessObjects installed versions from OS paths

1. Interdependency Between Versions

• SAP BusinessObjects installations often include shared components, libraries, or runtime environments(Crystal Reports). These components may be used by both the older and newer versions. Removing the older versions could inadvetently break functionality in the upgraded version, Which is why SAP has restricted this process.

2. Uninstallation restriction is by design

• SAP BusinessObjects uses its own instalation and uninstallation tools such as SAP BusinessObjects Setup tool. These tools are designed to ensure a clean and safe removal of the software. The Control Panel may not provide the level of control needed for such a complex system.

3. Multiple Product Installation

• SAP BusinessObjects environment consists of multiple connected components such as Web Intelligence(WEBI), Dashboards, Servers(Parts of CMC and Webapplication) By removing software may not properly unregister all associated services, Leaving the system in an unstable state.

4. Incomplete Uninstallation Scripts

• The uninstallation scripts that control removal of Software might not be updated or robust for older versions, Particularly if the software has been upgraded multiple times. This could prevent them from appearing or functioning correctly in the program removal applications.

5. Custom Installation Paths

• If SAP BusinessObjects was installed in custom directories or its components were manually added, The program removal applications might not correctly recognize these elements, Leading to inability to remove Software and its Applications.

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