Description
This article describes the steps that need to be taken to uninstall a managed FortiClient using the FC Removal Tool.
Scope
FortiClient EMS 6.0+, 6.2+, 6.4+, 7.0+, 7.2+ 7.4+.
Solution
Sometimes there is a need to force the FortiClient uninstallation from an endpoint that has no connection with EMS, therefore a special tool will be needed for that, in this case, it will be using the FortiClient Removal tool, follow all the steps that need to be taken to accomplish this task.
- Access the site 'https://support.fortinet.com' login with the credentials and navigate to 'Support' -> 'Firmware Download':
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In 'Select Product', choose the option 'FortiClient', select 'Download', and then 'Windows':
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Navigate to the needed version, in this example, it is chosen 'v7.00 / 7.4 / 7.4.0', then download the FortiClientTools, select 'HTTPS':
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Copy the Tools to the machine that needs the FortiClient to be uninstalled and boot the Windows in 'Safe Mode'.
Tip: To ask the Windows endpoint to boot in safe mode without the need for pressing the F8 button during startup, open a Command Prompt and type the following: bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal.
Then reboot the system:
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Go to the directory where the tools were copied, unzip the file, and access the 'SupportUtils' folder:
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Execute the 'FCRemove.exe' as administrator:
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A warning message will appear, read it and select 'OK' to proceed:
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Another warning message stating that it will be necessary to reboot the system, for the uninstallation to be completed, select 'Yes' to proceed:
Tip: It is also possible to select 'No', and configure the system to boot in normal mode prior to reboot.
To ask the Windows endpoint to boot in normal mode without the need for pressing the F8 button, open a Command Prompt and type the following: bcdedit /deletevalue safeboot.
Then it is possible to manually reboot the system: -
The system will reboot and the uninstallation will be completed with success:
Now the system does not have the FortiClient installed anymore.
