Moving SQL LDF (Log) Files

  • I know this is going to sound like a daft question but want to be safe 🙂

    Working with a customer we are planning to move SQL Log files (.LDF) to another drive.

    NOW what differs here is the drive is going to be the same...this is also in a VM environment.

    Here is the plan...

    1. We stop SQL Server Replication

    2. We stop the SQL Server and SQL Agent service

    3. Take the existing HDD offline (lets say this is G drive) which holds the LDF files.

    4. Move the files on here to a new drive and bring the drive on line

    5. Rename the Drive as before and same security and same drive letter so lets say G drive again.

    So we now have a new drive attached BUT it has the same drive letter and volume name and permissions as before.

    6. We bring the SQL Server/Agent services on-line

    7. Bring Replication online again.

    8. Job finished users can connect again.

    So the daft question...will this work i.e. the move of LDF to a new drive but with drive leters and volume names the same?

    Thanks Steve

  • As long as the drive letter and path are absolutely identical, and SQL has full access to the folder, that will work fine.

    Take a backup first, for paranoia sake.

    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

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Thanks so much we have to work with our customer on this so we will instruct them to make sure Permissions/Drive Letters/Volume names are all correct and as before to stop conflicts.

    ... and oh yes backup is a must so will be doing that.

    Cheers and thanks for a quick reply :-),

    Steve

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