Moving the location of by datafiles from one drive to another

[indyandumi]

Hey guys i want to relocate my database datafile and transaction logs from C: drive to D:

From what i have in mind , correct me if i am wrong: First I will create the same folder on D drive as they are on C drive then copy the datafile from C to D , then come back and change the paths on the database files to point on D.

[nosepicker]

You don't have to create the same folder. You can detach the database files, copy or move them to the new location, and then reattach them. You can also backup the database, restore the database with a new name and pointing the database files to the new location, and then do a rename on the databases. Books Online should give you info on how to do these things.

[indyandumi]

But you have to take the database offline or make sure it is not in use

[rmiao]

You have to take the db down since you can't copy db files while it's up.

[nosepicker]

If you use the backup, restore, and rename the databases method, you don't have to take the database down. Of course, you will still have to make sure nothing changes data in the database during that time if you want to make sure you have a clean copy.

[indyandumi]

Nose picker and rmiao i appreciate your help

Thank you(in Swahili Asante sana)