Move Active Directory Database and Log Files

Q: How can I move my Active Directory database and log files on my Windows 2008 or above domain controller?

A: With Windows Server 2008 and the restartable Directory Service, the domain controller (DC) doesn't have to be started in Directory Services Restore Mode to move the database and log files.

Use the following procedure to move the database and log files. This assumes the new location and folder exists.

1. Stop the Active Directory Domain Services service by using Services.msc (this will stop several other services as well).
2. Open an elevated command prompt, then run the commands below, replacing e:\ntds with your target location:
   

   ntdsutil
   activate instance ntds
   files
   move db to e:\ntds
   move logs to e:\ntds
   files
   integrity
   quit
   quit

3. Restart the Active Directory Domain Services service.