Enterprise Manager database size reports

The database size Enterprise Manager reports includes both the data files and the transaction logs, every database has at least one PRIMARY data file and one transaction log file; optionally the database may also have secondary data files. There is a choice between shrinking either the entire database or individual files. To shrink the database use DBCC SHRINKDATABASE(database_name, target_percent), target_percent is the amount of free space to leave in the database (ex. DBCC SHRINKDATABASE(Northwind, 2)). To shrink an individual file use DBCC SHRINKFILE(logical_file_name, target_size), target_size is the size in Mb. -- ex. DBCC SHRINKFILE (Northwind_Log, 3). To control the growth of the database use the ALTER DATABASE command to set the percent growth(ex. ALTER DATABASE myDB MODIFY FILE (NAME = DataFile1, FILEGROWTH = 2%)). Another consideration for controlling the size of the database is ensuring the transaction log is backed up and/or truncated regularly. The use of the database -- transactional versus reporting -- and acceptable level of data loss govern how the transact log is backed up.

For further information look in Books On Line for...

• DBCC SHRINKDATABASE
• DBCC SHRINKFILE
• ALTER DATABASE
• BACKUP
• Choosing a Backup and Restore Strategy (entire section)

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