Install System Databases to a non default drive

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Install System Databases to a non default drive

Welsh Corgi

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Points: 116520
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March 25, 2015 at 7:34 am

#295479

How can you install the System Databases to a drive other than the default?
I want the Data Files to be installed on D:MSSQL\Data and the log files to be stored on D:MSSQL\Log.
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sunder.bugatha Ten Centuries Points: 1227 More actions · Answer 1

You can change the default data directory and provide your own path while installing SQL server for system databases.

Welsh Corgi SSC Guru Points: 116520 More actions · Answer 2

What screen do you specify the paths?

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Gail Shaw SSC Guru Points: 1004504 More actions · Answer 3

The one that lists root directory, backup directory, data directory, log directory. They're the only things on that screen and it's the default tab, so hard to miss unless you're using the 'Install with defaults' option (in which case you can't change anything)

Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

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benjamin.reyes SSCertifiable Points: 5249 More actions · Answer 4

You can always move them(except resource) after installation.

Welsh Corgi SSC Guru Points: 116520 More actions · Answer 5

GilaMonster (3/25/2015)
The one that lists root directory, backup directory, data directory, log directory. They're the only things on that screen and it's the default tab, so hard to miss unless you're using the 'Install with defaults' option (in which case you can't change anything)

Thanks!

That is what I did. I specified the root directory.

The only thing that I did not like was if put the log file in the Data Directory as well as the Data Files.

I did not see an option to specify the location of the Log Files.

I assume that this is not possible?

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Perry Whittle SSC Guru Points: 234013 More actions · Answer 6

the installer will automatically dump the logs for each system database in the directory for the data file, you'll need to move them manually, which to be honest, there's no real need to do

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Welsh Corgi SSC Guru Points: 116520 More actions · Answer 7

benjamin.reyes (3/25/2015)
You can always move them(except resource) after installation.

I saw several servers today that had the Resource Database that had been moved.

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benjamin.reyes SSCertifiable Points: 5249 More actions · Answer 8

Welsh Corgi (3/27/2015)
benjamin.reyes (3/25/2015)
You can always move them(except resource) after installation.
I saw several servers today that had the Resource Database that had been moved.

Not really saying you can't, it's one of those not supported by Microsoft things.

Welsh Corgi SSC Guru Points: 116520 More actions · Answer 9

The master database is the tricyest system database to move.

I had trouble years ago do this.

What are the options?

I prefer to not do it in SSMS. I did something wrong and I could not restart SQL Server.

Any recommendations on the best method?

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george sibbald SSC Guru Points: 104210 More actions · Answer 10

Welsh Corgi (3/27/2015)
benjamin.reyes (3/25/2015)
You can always move them(except resource) after installation.
I saw several servers today that had the Resource Database that had been moved.

Must have been sql 2005, not possible to move them after that. If they have been moved I suggest movimg them back, moving them causings problems when patching the server

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george sibbald SSC Guru Points: 104210 More actions · Answer 11

Welsh Corgi (3/28/2015)
The master database is the tricyest system database to move.
I had trouble years ago do this.
What are the options?
I prefer to not do it in SSMS. I did something wrong and I could not restart SQL Server.
Any recommendations on the best method?

see here

- correct version for you sql version

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Welsh Corgi SSC Guru Points: 116520 More actions · Answer 12

george sibbald (3/28/2015)
Welsh Corgi (3/28/2015)
The master database is the tricyest system database to move.
I had trouble years ago do this.
What are the options?
I prefer to not do it in SSMS. I did something wrong and I could not restart SQL Server.
Any recommendations on the best method?
see here
- correct version for you sql version

What?

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george sibbald SSC Guru Points: 104210 More actions · Answer 13

click on the word 'here'

just make sure you use the page that refers to your version of sql.

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Welsh Corgi SSC Guru Points: 116520 More actions · Answer 14

george sibbald (3/28/2015)
click on the word 'here'
just make sure you use the page that refers to your version of sql.

What?

Click on the word here? Where?

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http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Best+Practices/61537/

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