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 Data and log files

Author  Topic 

rsmerker
Starting Member

11 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 11:23:15
I just got new blade servers and a data storage server. I want to install my apps and Sql2008 server on the blades (with limited storage), and then point the SQL server to store the data on my data server. Is this possible. I am using Enterprise Manager and I am able to create the database instance, but if I try and point the files to the external server I keep getting errors.

I can recreate the errors if need be, but i am just wondering if what i am trying to do is even possible.

sodeep
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

7174 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 11:26:53
why not SQL2008 in data server?
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rsmerker
Starting Member

11 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 11:33:15
someone had the idea that we would use the blades as application servers and use the data servers to store everything from the blades. Our blades only have 70g or so of space so they would not work for the size of my db's (400g+).
and now that the idea is out there and the equipment has been purchased i was told to make it work....
I am by no means a sql guy, but given a little guidance...
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rsmerker
Starting Member

11 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 11:35:52
The way I have it right now, the data server has shared folders allocated to each blade and those shares mapped on those blades.
If I try and create the data and log files I am not given the option to point them to those shares/mapped drives.
I think I read somewhere that the drives can not be external or shared and if that is the case then I am out of luck.
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sodeep
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

7174 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 11:43:30
Shared drives are really bad for location of data and log files. You will see performances issues and is subject to network issues.
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rsmerker
Starting Member

11 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 11:50:01
Do you have any suggestions on a way to have the data and log files on a different server than the SQL server other than shares?
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GilaMonster
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

4507 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 11:52:35
SQL's data and log files have to be on a drive that belongs to the server that SQL's running on. They cannot be put onto a network drive.

--
Gail Shaw
SQL Server MVP
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rsmerker
Starting Member

11 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 11:54:40
tragic, kind of figured that.

I guess i will have to do frequent data dumps to the storage machine from the local machine.
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sodeep
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

7174 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 12:07:38
Partially I have to disagree with Gila for this one:
With DBCC traceon(1807)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304261
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rsmerker
Starting Member

11 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 13:08:09
Interesting, reading about the negatives of what I am trying to do i might try and talk the powers out of it. but if need be I might have to go that route.

Thanks for the help.
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sodeep
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

7174 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 13:11:07
Did you see the link ? It's better to have in local drives rather than putting 400 GB database on Network path.
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rsmerker
Starting Member

11 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 13:17:06
Yep, i saw it and i agree. but as we all know, the people who make the decisions are not always the ones who have to impliment/support it.
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GilaMonster
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

4507 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 14:10:23
quote:
With DBCC traceon(1807)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304261


<Shudder> I knew about NAS. Didn't realise it could work for shares too.

quote:
but as we all know, the people who make the decisions are not always the ones who have to impliment/support it.


Point out to those that make the decisions that if they decide to put the data files on the network, one network glitch could cause a corrupt database.
IO speed is critical on a database, especially for the log drive. If you put those files on the network, you are hampering the server's performance, badly.

If they want a slow database that's prone to corruption, their problem. I would suggest you get signatures on paper that the powers-that-be are happy with the risks.

--
Gail Shaw
SQL Server MVP
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sodeep
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

7174 Posts

Posted - 2008-12-04 : 14:38:12
Agree with GilaMonster.You will only get fired if your database is corrupt without backups and performance is horrible.
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