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I have installed MSSQL server 2008 in my server in C: drive and I want to move it to the D: drive completely. That means, database locations, installed location to move another drive with data. Is it possible to done this?

Note: Detach method is only for move database. but I want to move whole installation and DB files to another drive.

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    If you want to move the actual server install you have to uninstall and then reinstall. This is no different than any other windows application. You can't just move the installed files somewhere new.
    – Sean Lange
    Commented Jul 7, 2016 at 14:41
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    Offtopic. Not a programming question. Maybe try the DBA site.
    – Marc B
    Commented Jul 7, 2016 at 14:41
  • @SeanLange If my source control is connected with SQL and the data is there. So, If i reinstall then need to add these data again manually or is it possible to take backup completely?
    – KaviSuja
    Commented Jul 11, 2016 at 12:02

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It is easy and well documented to move data files (including master, model, tempdb,...) to other locations in MS-SQL Server. There is no supported approach to move the instalation (SQL Server binaries) to another drive / folder. I think even with manual manipulation of registry entries the SQL Server wouldn't come up again.

You should consider uninstall and new installation.

  1. backup all databases including system databases as master, model ( SSISDB)
  2. uninstall SQL Server using SQL Server installation center
  3. uninstall SQL Server 2008 Browser component by using the Add or Remove Programs
  4. install SQL Server with same instance name using SQL Server installation center; select new locations for binaries and data
  5. restore backups

This article describes how to uninstall a stand-alone instance of Microsoft SQL Server 2008. When you follow the steps in this article, you also prepare the system so that you can reinstall SQL Server 2008

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  • There is no point in restoring tempdb. It is recreated each time the instance restarts. SQL Server uninstall is not "clean." The OS may get confused if the new instance has the same name as the old, but is in a different location. I would suggest you install the new one first as a named instance, migrate application DBs, jobs etc one at a time, reconfiguring applications to point to the new instance. Once everything's moved uninstall the old instace. Commented Jul 12, 2016 at 3:06
  • @MichaelGreen totally agree with tempdb. but when i install a named Instance, it will share common files with default instance... right? Commented Jul 12, 2016 at 3:18
  • Yes, some files are shared between instances. Some files on the C: drive may be retained even after you uninstall the current instance. However, experience suggests some files and registry keys will remain even if the current instance is "removed" before the new instance is installed. Commented Jul 12, 2016 at 3:23
  • Of course if this is a personal / sandbox instance it's less important so just do what's easy and get on with life. Commented Jul 12, 2016 at 3:23
  • @MichaelGreen MS has here a guideline how to uninstall and ensure a reinstallation of sqlserver2008. Following this guide even the common files folder can be changed during the installation of the new default instance. Do you think MS will give this guide for non production only? Commented Jul 12, 2016 at 4:17

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