To Shrink or Not To Shrink SQL 2000 DB

[Auguy]

I have an SQL 2000 DB in which I will be deleting about 1/2 the records to remove old data no longer needed. I've read that shrinking the DB is usually not a good idea, but in this case it would save me several GB. Not a lot for some people, but still a good amount for our server. I'm planning on shrinking the DB and then re-indexing. It will take several years to grow back to its current size. Any thoughts on doing this or other recommendations?

Auguy
Sylvania/Toledo Ohio

 

[baddos]

If you need the disk space back sure, go ahead and shrink it but leave some whitespace on it so it doesn't have to immediately grow.

If the server doesn't need more free disk space though, it's best to leave it as is. The reasoning behind this, is the overhead sql has when it has to grow the datafiles.

You can re-index regardless of which ever option you choose.