How to relocate SOLIDWORKS PDM Vault Database Files

To maximize PDM performance, the SQL database files should be located on the fastest hard drive available. If the mdf and ldf files for the database need to be relocated, this can be done using the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio.

Before moving the files, ensure that a backup of the database has been performed and that the vault has been locked so that no users are currently working.

Step 1:  Locate the Database files

Right click on the vault database and select Properties.

Database Properties

Click on the Files page to find the current file path and file names.  Browse to this location through the Windows Explorer and then close the Properties window in the SQL Server Management Studio.

Find the current file path and file names

Step 2:  Detach the Database

Next, again right click on the Vault Database that is being moved and in the fly out menu under Tasks select Detach.

Detach the Database

Check the box for Drop Connections and click OK to complete the detach operation.

Drop Connections

Step 3:  Move the .MDF and .LDF files

In Windows Explorer, move the database and log files (.MDF and .LDF) to the new location.

Move the database and log files

Step 4:  Re-Attach the Database

Back in the SQL Server Management Studio, right click on Databases in the tree on the left hand side of the window and select Attach.

Re-Attach the Database

In the Attach Databases dialog box click Add and browse to the new location for the database (.MDF) file and select it, the log file (.LDF) will automatically be added.

Add and browse to the new location for the database

Click OK to re-attach the database.

OK to re-attach the database

Step 5:  Restart the Database helper service.

Go to Services and Restart the SOLIDWORKS PDM Database Server.

Restart the SOLIDWORKS PDM Database Server