How to move active directory database to new location?

Hello All,

Hope this post finds you in good health and spirit.

We can move or change the location of the Active Directory (AD) database in a domain controller. The AD database stores information about users, groups, computers, and other objects in the domain, and is critical to the operation of Active Directory. Moving the AD database can be useful in situations where you need to free up space on the system drive or improve performance by moving the database to a faster disk.

Here are the steps to move the AD database to a new location:

• Create a new folder for the AD database: First, create a new folder on the target disk where you want to move the AD database. You can name the folder anything you like, such as “NTDS\DB”.
• Stop the Active Directory Domain Services (NTDS) service: To move the AD database, you need to stop the NTDS service. Open the Services console, locate the NTDS service, and stop it. or you can boot your domain controller in DSRM mode to stop ADDS service and move the AD database along with log files.
• Restart the domain controller and press F8 for DSRM mode or open the msconfig and set boot option as Active Directory Repair.

• Hit Enter on Directory Services Repair Mode

• Once you logged in domain controller via DSRM mode, you will find that ADDS service is in Stopping state.
• Open the CMD console and execute the below commands

          NTDSUTIL

Active Instance NTDS

Files

Move DB to E:\NTDS\DB

        Move Logs to E:\NTDS\DB

• Once Moved these files, please verify at both location existing and new database location.

• Logs files Location

• Also verify NTDS and logs file’s location by registry settings.

• Verify the database is working: Finally, verify that the AD database is working correctly by checking the Event Viewer logs for any errors or warnings related to the move. You can also use the “NTDSUTIL” command-line utility to check the integrity of the database.

It is important to note that moving the AD database can be a complex process and should be done carefully to avoid any potential issues. It is recommended to perform a full backup of the domain controller before making any changes to the AD database.

So, that’s all in this blog. I will meet you soon with next stuff. Have a nice day!!!

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