moved vcenter db from sql express to sql 2012

[tdubb123]

I havea  vcenter 5.5 that was installed using simple install. I moved the database from local sql expres to a remote db server on 2012r2. but now I want to stop the local sql epress services and its prompting me that vcenter services will be stopped. does sql express need to still run locally  for vcenter to work?

[rcporto]

Seems like you configured a dependency on vCenter services, what you need is remove this dependency and then stop the SQL Express instance.

Here is a VMware KB showing how to create the dependency, just follow theses steps BUT for remove the dependency: VMware KB: VMware VirtualCenter Server service does not start automatically after reboot

[cykVM]

If you followed the migration steps in this KB VMware KB:    Migrating the vCenter Server database from SQL Express to full SQL Server you should be able to remove the SQL Express db instance.