Manage Vaults and Databases

Learn about how vaults and databases work.

When you install the Autodesk Vault server, a single vault named Vault is created. The database files for the vault are created in the MSSQL$AUTODESKVAULT\Data folder under the Microsoft SQL Server installation folder.

Several of the databases located in the Data folder are used by Microsoft SQL Server while others are specific to the vault. Each database file (mdf) has an associated log file (LDF) that contains important transaction data and must be moved, backed up, and restored along with the database file.

KnowledgeVaultMaster.mdf is the master vault database and it maintains the list of users, user permissions, and a list of vaults and their corresponding file store location.

Note: Important: Never modify information in the SQL database.

Vault.mdf is the database for the vault named Vault. Each vault also has a SQL Server log file associated with it called VaultName.ldf.

The second component of every vault is the associated file store where the files are stored. The file store is structured as a hierarchy of folders that are located under a main folder that has the same name as the vault. The filestore location for the default vault named Vault is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\VaultServer. Each data file is stored in its own folder in a normal, uncompressed format. The folders for the file store are created when you add the first file to the vault.

Important: Never modify the files or folder structure in the file store. Only access these files through the client interface.