How to remove 'update-alternatives' links on Linux

I would try cleaning it up manually. I've never done this so make sure you backup beforehand.

  • Remove the link from /etc/alternatives
  • Remove the relevant file from the admin directory
    • /var/lib/dpkg/alternatives/ on ubuntu (debian may be the same but check the man pages under the FILES section)
    • /var/lib/alternatives/ on CentOS 6&7