Summary

Laserfiche databases keep data stored in SQL Server MDF files. The first SQL database created by a Laserfiche repository, by default, is the Database.mdf file. This file contains Laserfiche repository information such as folder structure, security, volume configuration, template information, etc. The Database.mdf file stores all Laserfiche information except thumbnails and indexing information. Thumbnails and word location information are stored in the expansion databases.

Note: Expansion databases are only created when using Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Edition and Personal Edition. When Laserfiche uses the full version of Microsoft SQL Server, all database information is stored in the main database file, Database.mdf.

More Information

Expansion databases are used in MSDE and MSSQL: Personal Edition installations to store thumbnail information and word location data. If an expansion database is not attached, or is attached using an incorrect name, Laserfiche will be unable to access thumbnail and word location information. For information on attaching expansion databases, please see the following Laserfiche Knowledge Base article:

1011022 HOW TO: Attaching Expansion Databases to MSDE or SQL Server Personal Edition.

Expansion database files are named Database_data_N.mdf, where N is a sequential number. The first expansion database is named Database_data_1.mdf. The size of the main database file is not directly related to the size of any expansion database file. The main database file and the expansion database file(s) can grow at different rates.

Expansion database files are generally found in the same location as the main database files. In most cases, this can be one of three places: the repository directory, C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Data (for Personal Edition), or C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL$Laserfiche\Data (when MSDE is installed on a different computer than the Laserfiche Server).

An additional expansion database is created when the first expansion database reaches 2GB. As each expansion database reach the 2GB limit, another expansion database is created. New expansion databases will continue to be created until the expansion database limit is reached; thus, a single repository can have one main database and several expansion databases. The expansion database limit varies depending on the Laserfiche Server version:

• 6.x: 5 expansion databases.
• 7.0.x: 2 expansion databases
• 7.1.x and later: 30 expansion databases.

The main database file also has a 2 GB limit. When the main database reaches 2 GB, you will no longer be able to create any new documents. If you reach the 2 GB limit on your main database file, please upgrade to the full version of Microsoft SQL Server.

Note: If you are using SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, the main database file has a 4 GB limit.