Moving the existing SQL Server data files and user databases

Last published : Aug 26, 2026
After completing the SQL installation and configuration on the additional nodes, move the existing standalone SQL Server data files and user databases from the local drive to the shared drives to ensure proper failover operations in the cluster. Complete the following tasks to move the databases:
  1. From the SQL Server Service Manager, stop the SQL Server service.
  2. Verify that you have backed up your existing data.
  3. Import the volumes or LUNs to the node where the original files are located on the local drives and mount the volumes (add drive letters).
  4. Move the SQL Server data files and user databases to the shared volumes or LUNs. Follow the procedures described in Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 224071: INF: Moving SQL Server databases to a New Location with Detach/Attach.
Refer to: default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;224071.
  1. Restart SQL Server.
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