How to move transaction log file?

[Nakis]

Hi all,

I have a database with 20GB transaction log file.
The recovery model of the database is Full.
I need to move the T. log file to a new location with the minimal downtime.
I know I can do this by detaching the DB, copying the T. Log and attaching it at the new location. This will take some time though as copying the T. log file will take up some time.

I thought that I could maybe create a secondary T. log file and delete the primary one or switch the primary T.log file to being the second one.
What does it take so I'm able to delete the primary T. log file or switch?
Can you please explain how to accomplish this?


Also, if you can figure out of a better way, then please let me know.


thanx a lot in advance

 

[timscronin]

the copy if you keep it on the same drive (say copy from the folder E:\logs to e:\ will not take that long. This is a move not a complete copy. You can then run attach and have it create new file

 

[Nakis]

No no.. it's on a different drive.
Just assume I can't do it this way, since I can't afford that much downtime which approx. 15 minutes.

 

[richgill]

Can you shrink the log file?