Migrate a Database

When you install the Autodesk data management 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 filestore 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.

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

Migrate a Database

There are two migration types: automatic and manual.

Automatic Migration

If you have upgraded to a new version of the Autodesk Data Management server and an existing database is discovered, you are prompted to migrate the database for use with the new version of the server the first time you log into the server console. If you choose not to migrate a vault or library database the first time you start the server console, the database is listed in the server console as not migrated.

Note: The Migrate Databases dialog is only available during the initial migration immediately following an upgrade installation. If you select No on this dialog box and later want to migrate databases, follow the instructions under Manual Migration.
  1. In the Migrate Databases dialog, chose whether or not to migrate existing vaults and/or existing libraries.
    • In the Vaults section, select Yes to migrate the existing vault database now. Select No to leave the vault database non-migrated.
    • In the Libraries section, select Yes to migrate the Content Center library database. Select No to leave the library database non-migrated. If you choose to migrate libraries, see Copy libraries during migration.
  2. Click OK.
Note: Non-migrated vaults and libraries must be migrated to the new version of the server before they can be accessed. Non-migrated databases can be migrated manually at a later time.

Manual Migration

When restoring a vault using the server console, the vault is automatically migrated to the latest version. You can also use the server console command line to restore a vault. If a vault has been restored using the command line but not migrated, it is indicated in the server console using a yellow warning sign.

  1. From the navigation pane, select a non-migrated vault.
  2. Select Actions  Migrate.
  3. When the migration finishes, click OK.

Tip: To improve indexing performance, all unnecessary property definitions should be set to "Not In Use" following migration.

Note:
  • A vault from an Autodesk data management server more than two releases old cannot be directly migrated to the current release. The vault must first be migrated to a supported version and then migrated to the current release.
  • An Autodesk Vault Professional vault cannot be migrated for use with Autodesk Vault Basic.
Parent topic: Manage Vaults and Databases

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