Overview
If you plan on permanently decommissioning a server, it's recommended that you uninstall the Commvault backup client from it beforehand. As part of the uninstallation process, the client will reach out to the UIC backup server and release the license that it was using.
While gracefully uninstalling packages before servers are decommissioned is recommended, it's also possible to retire an offline client through the Commvault Command Center web interface.
If you decommission servers without releasing licenses, you will continue to be charged for those licenses in your monthly bill.
Table of Contents
Uninstalling clients (Windows)
In Windows, you uninstall the Commvault client in the same way that you would uninstall any other Windows application. This is under Settings -> Apps & Features, or Control Panel -> Programs and Features if you prefer. In either case, you will need to remove "Commvault ContentStore". Once you initiate the removal process, you will see the following window:
In most cases, you will want to uninstall all packages, but you can also choose to uninstall individual packages. Uninstalling packages locally is rarely useful as it will not reach out to the backup server and release licenses.
Uninstalling clients (Linux)
Run ./cvpkgrm as root. By default cvpkgrm will be located under "/opt/commvault/Base/", but it could be somewhere else if you chose a non-default installation path during the installation.
In most cases, you will want to remove all packages, but you can also choose to remove individual packages. Removing packages locally is rarely useful as it will not reach out to the backup server and release licenses.
Retiring clients through the web interface
You can also retire the client from the Commvault Command Center web interface. Find your client in that interface (that can be done either through the Protect -> File Servers section, or the Manage -> Servers section if you change the "Type" from Infrastructure to All). Then expand the Actions menu and select Retire. If the client is currently in contact with the Commvault server, it will also attempt to uninstall the Commvault software from the client.