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How do I find a phantom .mdf file in explorer?

I created a database using SQL Server Management Studio. I have a maintenance plan for my databases - the whole nine yards. I've been working with the tables etc. for over a year with a Visual Studio interface. Others are using the database as well.

So, I need to restore a backup and I cannot find it! I can't even find the .mdf files!!!!! This is the path for database file: d:\program files\ Microsoft SQL Server\ MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data I've got our network expert on it as well and we are coming up with nothing in all our searches.

Anyone out there ever have a mystery such as this? Did you ever solve it?

lcohan

Can you access the server and the database still? If you do just run following sql against it:

select * from sys.sysdatabases

And check the "filename" column

For backup files you could run:

SELECT * FROM [master].[sys].[backup_devices]

and check "physical_name"

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Wizilling

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Karen Wilson

ASKER

Okay, we know the file name... and it comes up on Wiz's second query.

We can't find that file name on the server!! It's so bizarre....

Karen Wilson

ASKER

Here is the filename

d:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data\Energy.mdf

So I went to explorer and tried to map it the directory because I know that d: = WSTF-Apps.

I got an error and ran the troubleshooter. It says that WSTF-Apps exists but Program Files doesn't.

Any suggestions? I'm off to a Kid Rock concert so I will check on this later. Thanks for any direction!!

Wizilling

are you looking in the d drive of the machine name returned by my first query?

also the file can be hidden(not likely) but have you enabled folder options to view hidden files.

do u have admin access to the sever?

Karen Wilson

ASKER

I am going to try and work with another person today. Unfortunately, I do not have admin rights to the server. The server sits across the country so I can't just walk over there and be demanding either. Thanks for the direction. I'll keep you posted.

Karen Wilson

ASKER

I found out that theother contractor's DBAs changed our server name so the maintenance plans were hosed!! Therefore the phantom file was really a non-existant one!!