In recent past we had a situation where in, we were required to move MSDB, Model and Master databases to a new location, the reason being a faulty drive. While moving the system databases to the new location we needed to be extra cautious. Let’s see the process step-by-step.
Step 1: Let’s query sys view and note down the location of the database files
SELECT NAME, PHYSICAL_NAME AS ‘PhysicalFilePath’, STATE_DESC AS ‘DB Status’ FROM SYS.MASTER_FILES
Step 2: Run alter database and specify new location for database
SELECT ALTER DATABASE MSDB MODIFY FILE ( NAME = MSDBData, FILENAME= ‘C:\SQLDB\Demo\MSDBData.mdf’ ) GO ALTER DATABASE MSDB MODIFY FILE ( NAME = MSDBLog, FILENAME= ‘C:\SQLDB\Demo\MSDBLog.ldf’ ) GO
Step 3: Stop SQL Server service
Step 4: Once SQL Server service is stopped, move MSDB database to the new location
Step 5: Now, start SQL Server service. This time it will use the new path that we have configured in Step 2.
Note: If you have enabled and configure Database Mail, please make sure it works after you moved MSDB to the new location.
Tomorrow, I will post about how to relocate Master database.
— Hemantgiri S. Goswami
