How to Change the Active Directory Database Path in Windows Server

Last Update: February 3, 2025 Post Views: 115

Learn to safely change the Active Directory database path in Windows Server using NTDSUTIL

Changing Active Directory Database Path

The AD databases are stored in specific locations by default, but there may be scenarios where you need to move them. 

This blog will guide you through changing the Active Directory database path.

Default Active Directory Database Path

Default location: C:\Windows\NTDS\NTDS.dit

Active Directory Database (NTDS.dit) Stores objects like users, computers, and groups.

Default Active Directory Logs Path

The Default location for Active Directory logs: C:\Windows\NTDS 

Below are the details of the Active Directory Logs files


EDB.LOG: EDB.log first records the change, such as creating a new user account. The change is then written to the NTDS.DIT database.


EDB.CHK: Once the transaction is successfully committed to the database, the EDB.chk file is updated to mark the point of the last successful change.


Res1.log & Res2.log: Reserved logs to prevent data loss if the disk runs out of space.


TEMP.EDB: A temporary database file is created during certain Active Directory operations, such as database recovery. It is not required for day-to-day operations but may be created in specific circumstances.


Below is the snapshot of the default path of  Active Directory Database and Logs 

Active Directory Database and Logs

Why Move Paths?

Common reasons for changing the AD database:

  • Storage constraints: The default drive (C:) is running low on space.
  • Performance improvements: Moving the database to a high-speed disk (SSD) improves performance.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO CHANGE PATH

We are going to change the Active Directory database and log files from the C:\Windows\NTDS folder to move to the D:\NTDS folder

STEP 1:- Stop the Active Directory Services

Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator.

Type "Net stop ntds" and Press Enter.


STEP 2:- Check Active Directory Database Information

In the Same Command, Prompt 

  • Type "ntdsutil" and press Enter.
  • Type "activate instance ntds," and press Enter.
  • Type "files" and press Enter.
  • Type "info" and press Enter.

Active Directory Database

STEP 3:- Move the Active Directory Database

Type "move DB to D:\NTDS" and press Enter.

Move the Active Directory Database


STEP 4:- Move the Active Directory Logs

Type "move logs to D:\NTDS" and press Enter.

Move the Active Directory Logs


STEP 5:- Integrity Check

The Integrity command is used to check the physical consistency of the Active Directory database (NTDS.dit).

  • Type "Integrity" and press Enter.
  • Exit ntdsutil by typing "quit" 

Integrity Check


STEP 6:- Semantic Database Analysis

Semantic Database Analysis (SDA) is a diagnostic tool that checks the logical consistency of the Active Directory (AD) database (NTDS.dit). 

It ensures that all objects, attributes, and links in the AD database are correctly structured and free of corruption.

  • Type "semantic database analysis" and press Enter.
  • Type "go fixup"
  • Exit ntdsutil by typing "quit" twice
Semantic Database Analysis


STEP 7:- Start the Active Directory Services

Type "net start ntds" and Press Enter.

Start the Active Directory Services


STEP 8:- Check the Active Directory Database and Logs in New Path


Check the Active Directory Database and Logs in New Path


STEP 9:- Restart your Domain Controller

  • shutdown /r /t 0


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