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## C.3.2 Removing APEX from the Database

Start SQLcl and connect to the database where Oracle APEX is installed as `SYS` specifying the `SYSDBA` role and execute the `SQL> @apxremov.sql` command.

This section describes how to remove the APEX schema, synonyms, and users from the database without deleting the database.

Note:

Do NOT follow these steps if you have upgraded your database from a prior release, and still want to use the prior release of APEX. For information about reverting to a prior release, see Reverting to a Previous Release. If you are not sure whether you have completed a new installation or an upgrade installation, review Cleaning Up After a Failed Installation to verify if a previous release of APEX exists in the database.

To remove APEX from the database:

1. Change your working directory to the `apex` directory where you unzipped the APEX software.
2. Start SQLcl and connect to the database where APEX is installed as `SYS` specifying the `SYSDBA` role:

   - On Windows:

         SYSTEM_DRIVE:\ sql /nolog
         SQL> CONNECT SYS as SYSDBA
         Enter password: SYS_password

   - On UNIX and Linux:

         $ sql /nolog
         SQL> CONNECT SYS as SYSDBA
         Enter password: SYS_password

3. Execute the following command:

       SQL> @apxremov.sql

4. After successfully removing APEX using `apxremov.sql`, you must exit your current SQLcl session and reconnect before attempting another install using `apexins.sql`.

Parent topic: Cleaning Up After a Failed Installation