How to delete database files in sqlserver

To delete SQL Server database files, first stop the service, navigate to the database file home directory, delete the relevant files (.mdf, .ndf, .ldf), and finally restart the SQL Server service.

How to delete SQL Server database files

In SQL Server, database files are usually stored in a specific folder , named "Database File Home Directory". To delete the database file, perform the following steps:

1. Stop the SQL Server service

First, make sure the SQL Server service is stopped, otherwise the database file cannot be deleted. In Windows, you can stop a service by:

• Using the Service Control Manager (services.msc)
• Run the following command in CMD or PowerShell: net stop mssqlserver

#2. Navigate to the database file home directory

By default, the database file home directory is located at the following path:

• Windows: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL15.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA
• Linux: /var/opt/mssql /data

3. Deleting Database Files

After navigating to the database file home directory, you can delete the following files associated with the database you want to delete:

• .mdf File (main data file)
• .ndf File (additional data file)
• .ldf File (log file)

For example, to delete a database named "MyDatabase", delete the following file:

• MyDatabase.mdf
• MyDatabase_log.ldf

4. Restart the SQL Server service

After deleting the database file, restart the SQL Server service. In Windows, you can start the service by:

• Using the Service Control Manager (services.msc)
• Run the following command in CMD or PowerShell: net start mssqlserver

Important note:

Before deleting the database file, be sure to back up the database in case something unexpected happens. If you are not sure how to back up your database, see your SQL Server documentation.

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