attach mdf file over network

[antvon]

Hi

Is it possible to attach a mdf database file from
a directory on another pc over a network.
I have tried to attach the normal way but all I can
see is my local C: drive.

Thanks in advance

 

[SQLBill]

I don't believe this is supported. Why have SQL Server on one machine and the datafiles on another? What happens when the link is down? What happens if there is a timeout for the connection? SQL Server will have problems knowing the status of the files.

This is a bad idea, just don't do it this way.

If you are trying to get data from another SQL Server, look into linking servers.

-SQLBill

BOL=Books OnLine=Microsoft SQL Server's HELP
Installed as part of the Client Tools
Found at Start>Programs>Microsoft SQL Server>Books OnLine

Posting advice: FAQ481-4875

 

[antvon]

Hi SQLBill

Thanks for responding.

I wholeheartedly agree with you and I would prefer
doing it with a linked server.

My problem stems from a budget issue.
Our company is quite small - only 5 people.
We service a erp system that sometimes requires us
to have a copy of the client sql db on our laptops.
These can be anything from 1 to 5 gig in size.
If I have 3 or 4 clients data on my machine at one time
my hdd space practically drops to zero.
My company won't buy another Sql Server licence to install on the other machine.

What I do normally is to swop out db's to the 'other'
pc if I feel I will work continually on one or two clients
at a time.Sometimes this is not always possible.The other
problem is that to copy over anything above 3gig takes an
age.

Yes we should revise our methods and budget to solve the
actual problem - but it's not in my hands.

I only mention this so that you may understand why I asked
that type of question.

I have installed the MSDE 2000 on the 'other' machine after
much argument with management that it is free and save to do so.I will now attach the databases to this server and link to my pc from there.Still have to learn the appropriate command line commands to do this though.Too accustomed to the manager gui

Thanks again for your advice. I do appreciate it.

 

[SQLBill]

Concerning the Enterprise Manager GUI.....do you have a licensed copy of SQL Server? If so, the install disk should have the client tools on it. You can install JUST the client tools to your laptop with no problem. Then register the MSDE database in Enterprise Manager.

Disclaimer: I don't do this myself but I've seen other posts from people doing it. It seems let you maintain/interface with the database just as though it's a 'full' version.

-SQLBill

 

[antvon]

Yes & I have managed to register the MSDE database in
EM. It does actually let you do everything you want
within the EM on the local machine. Don't know if this
is considered cheating or not but it does not let you
create a local database only one on the networked pc.
Oddly enough when I check the path to the db it comes
up as C:\dblocation as though it was on the local HDD.

Alas I did not realise that the MSDE has a db size restriction of 2Gig.The db I want to see is > 3Gig.
So I'm busted there.

Considering installing Sql Express 2005 which I believe
has a 4 or 5 gig limit.

Ants

 

[mrdenny]

SQLBill is correct, using database files over the network is not supported by SQL Server.

Denny

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)