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Darrell avatar image
Darrell asked

Deleting data files while database is online (.mdf, .ldf )

I realise that an OS level lock is put on the data files themselves while they are in use, however I was wondering if there are any conditions in which a database is not offline/detached in which these files can be moved or deleted?

The reasoning behind this is whether it is a safe enough assumption to assume that you don't need to worry about deleting a live database at the file level due to the implied lock.

Thanks!

deletedatafiles
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Rob Farley avatar image
Rob Farley answered

You may find times when the files aren't locked, and I wouldn't consider it a safe assumption. I've never looked hard enough to find out when those times are, but I'm sure I've been able to touch those files occasionally.

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