Did you read the article I linked to?
You *don't* reduce the size of the filestream, the automated garbage collection will remove the files when SQL is sure it doesn't...

When you delete data from a filestream table, SQL eventually automatically goes and cleans up the file on-disk.  This will happen (potentially) the next time a garbage collection process runs.  See...

So I've got a week long work trip coming up next month, and I'm already starting to plan out what to pack, how much cash to bring, where there is...

Unfortunately, you've already covered your two options.
Either script out the tables, data, etc, or install a SQL2017 instance (I'd recommend Developer edition, it's free and you don't have the...

I don't know how this came about, but tomorrow my first SSC article goes up...
😮