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Well, first of all you need to define the scope here. Is it really the database server or the entire system? Thus SQL Server only or the host and SQL Server?<br />
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SQL Server itself stores almost everything in in its database files. Two prominent exceptions:<br />
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1) the error logs are files: the can contain IP's and user (account) names. <br />
2) traces / extended events could be stored as files. They could contain personal data.
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Host &amp;&nbsp;SQL server.
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Any further pointers ste5an, if we extend to include the host as well.
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Pau Lo

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What kind of data / files are common to find on a database server, asides from the obvious, databases and log files? We have got to do some documentation of what personal data is stored on our systems whether that be in a structured format (database), or unstructured format (e.g. log files).<br />
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This is easy to do for databases using data classification tools, but I also wanted some insight on what other types of files/logs/other you can find on database server drives that has the potential to include the same data that is in the database itself or may have been at a point in time.<br />
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Or put another way, if there are stringent data retention rules, that need to be adhered to regardless of whether the data is in the database or external to the database in another format, what common files may go overlooked in the process that may reside on the server.
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What kind of data / files are common to find on a database server, asides from the obvious, databases and log files? We have got to do some documentation of what personal data is stored on our systems whether that be in a structured format (database), or unstructured format (e.g. log files).

This is easy to do for databases using data classification tools, but I also wanted some insight on what other types of files/logs/other you can find on database server drives that has the potential to include the same data that is in the database itself or may have been at a point in time.

Or put another way, if there are stringent data retention rules, that need to be adhered to regardless of whether the data is in the database or external to the database in another format, what common files may go overlooked in the process that may reside on the server.

common non DB files on a DB server

Databases are organized collections of data, most commonly accessed through management systems including schemas, tables, queries and processes that allow users to enter and manipulate the information or utilize it in other fashions, such as with web applications or for reporting purposes.

Databases

Microsoft SQL Server is a suite of relational database management system (RDBMS) products providing multi-user database access functionality.SQL Server is available in multiple versions, typically identified by release year, and versions are subdivided into editions to distinguish between product functionality. Component services include integration (SSIS), reporting (SSRS), analysis (SSAS), data quality, master data, T-SQL and performance tuning.