Attach database located on a different machine

[pwomack]

Is is possible to attach a database that is located on a different machine? What I want to do is detach a database, move it to a different machine, then attach it.

I created a mapped network drive on the SQL Server to the server where I moved the database, but I don't see the drive listed in the "Locate Database files" dialog window when I attempt to attach.

Thanks.

 

[mkal]

As far as I know SQL Server cannot see mapped drives. Even if it could you would probably incur a performance hit.

More importantly why do you need to do this?

If you need external storage I would suggest looking into a SAN/RAID or at the very least adding additional hard drives to your existing SQL Server.

 

[mrdenny]

SQL Server doesn't support remote storage. While it is possible to do it is highly not recommended.

Attach additional storage to the server, and copy the database locally.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

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