How to know if Instant File Initialization is enabled?

Question

Besides creating a new database and timing it, is there a simple way to determine whether or not Instant File Initialization is enabled/functioning?

(on Windows Server 2008 Enterprise)

Remus Rusanu · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-17 19:20:33Z

4

Using ntrights.exe, check if the SeManageVolumePrivilege priviledge is granted. IF you prefer a 'built in' tool, use secedit /export /areas USER_RIGHTS.

answered Jan 17, 2012 at 19:13

Remus Rusanu

50.8k3 gold badges90 silver badges169 bronze badges

I do prefer 'built in'. Just a FYI the secedit line you posted does not work. But this is the kind of answer I'm looking for.
– O.O
Jan 17, 2012 at 19:21
secedit /export /areas USER_RIGHTS /cfg foo.txt if you need a working example. I did not post that because I found the idea of a command line tool that requires an output file and does not use the stdout quite embarrassing. Pipe into grep, anyone?
– Remus Rusanu
Jan 17, 2012 at 19:24
I agree and it's not very easy on the eyes, now that I'm looking at the file
– O.O
Jan 17, 2012 at 19:25
Ugh. I have no idea how to interpret this file. Time to do some learning I guess.
– O.O
Jan 17, 2012 at 19:28
For what is worth, compiling your own tool that calls GetTokenInformation and asks for the TokenPrivileges class shouldn't be too hard...
– Remus Rusanu
Jan 17, 2012 at 19:29

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Oleg Dok · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-17 18:57:57Z

3

The account under which Sql Server is RUNNING should have rights to Perform Volume Maintenance Tasks privilege.

See here:

Control Panel->Administration->Local Security Policies->Local Policies->User Rights->Perform Volume Maintenance Tasks

answered Jan 17, 2012 at 18:57

Oleg Dok

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I'd rather not have to do this. Isn't there an easier way. Maybe a simple command or cmdlet I can run?
– O.O
Jan 17, 2012 at 19:00
@subt13 - this is the way to check.
– JNK
Jan 17, 2012 at 19:01
@JNK - Imagine if you have to do this on 100 machines. Surely this isn't the only way :)
– O.O
Jan 17, 2012 at 19:02
1

A quick google search pointed me to an article by Kendra Little. @OlegDok feel free to edit this into your answer.
– Mark Storey-Smith
Jan 17, 2012 at 19:06
@MarkStorey-Smith - it looks like that script grants the permissions, not checks for them
– JNK
Jan 17, 2012 at 19:14

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OliverAsmus · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-17 19:06:36Z

1

Simple SQL script involving trace flags.

answered Jan 17, 2012 at 19:06

OliverAsmus

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That involves creating a database. I want to avoid doing that.
– O.O
Jan 17, 2012 at 19:07

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3 Answers 3