Setup

[JCDugas]

I have to reinstall SQL because when we first started out I installed it in per seat mode, now we are per processor mode. Anyway....

I'm also going to install another SCSI Disk Array in addition to the one that's currently installed.

My question to you is, should I install the LOG files on the second disk array all by themselves and the DATA files on the first disk array with the OS? My theory behind this is that there's probably more activity back and forth with the log files and not as much as the data files.

Any thoughts?

 

[JayKusch]

That would be an adventageous move! You will remove the competing factor of having the data file(s) and Tlog file(s) having read/write contention.

Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[JCDugas]

Thanks for the reponse J. Kusch

I'm not sure what I should do then. Any suggestions?

I will have 2 raid 5 disc arrays.

Thanks,

JCD

 

[SQLBill]

What Jay said was ...yes the way you plan on setting it up is a good choice.

It's always advisable to put your datafiles on one set of drives and the log files on another.

-SQLBill

 

[JCDugas]

Now I get it! I was reading "adventageous" as "adventurous". I should take my time reading...

Thanks Guys!

 

[scottRen]

how do you set it up to have log file on another drive?

 

[JayKusch]

If you are just now creating the databases, you could go into Enterprise Manager and right click on the server name to choose "Properties".

From there choose the "Database Settings" tab and at the bottom are two boxes to set the Default Data and Log directories.

Once you set this up, any new database that is create will place its MDF (data file) and LDF (log file) in the default folders you have chosen.

If you are restoring a database from a backup, you will be given the option to place the MDF and LDF of the backup set to the appropriate folders.

If you are attaching a DB straight up, look at the sp_attach_DB and sp_attach_single_file_db in Books Online (BOL). It will explain the syntax to place the MDF and LDF to their desired locations.

Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[Catadmin]

Remember that you can also detach your current DBs and move the files to your new array (with Ent Mgr or with T-SQL) then re-attach your DBs once that's done.

If you do that though, instead of using one of J's options, I'd advise making copies of all your .MDFs and .LDFs before moving them AND doing a full database backup before. This way, you've officially done some C.Y.A. and won't get fired if something goes wrong during the move.

@=)



Catadmin - MCDBA, MCSA
Beware the error of pre-emptive poultry inventory!