Moving the Distribution Database

  • I need to move the distribution files to another drive on my test server that's actively using replicaton.  Anyone have any thoughts on this  ??  I've done the simple detach-move-attach for user dbs, but haven't had to move the distribution db before and don't see it mentioned in the various literature regarding moving system databases.

    TIA

  • Hmmm,

    I've never had to do this myself.  Detaching distribution might not work because it always has a connection to it.

    If that is the case you could follow Microsoft's advice on moving a system database by starting SQL Server with trace flag 3608 and them detaching and moving distribution.  Here's the article on that: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/224071/

    However, it doesn't mention distribution so it might not be relevant.

    An alternative would be to add the new files  to the ditribution database and then shrink the old files using the EMPTYFILE option.  This is an online operation so you wouldn't even need to stop replication.

    Given that it's a test server I'd try the detach method first.  But if you cannot afford to break replication (which it might do) try adding the files and emptying the old files.

    I'd be interested to know how this works out.

  • I know you can't detach a user database that's involved in replication, but I don't know whether that's true of the distribution database.  I have a feeling it is.  If it is, you can back up the database instead and restore it in the new location.  Obviously you will need to stop replication first.

    John

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