| title | Database Instant File Initialization | Microsoft Docs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ms.custom | |||||
| ms.date | 11/17/2017 | ||||
| ms.prod | sql-non-specified | ||||
| ms.prod_service | database-engine | ||||
| ms.service | |||||
| ms.component | databases | ||||
| ms.reviewer | |||||
| ms.suite | sql | ||||
| ms.technology |
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| ms.tgt_pltfrm | |||||
| ms.topic | article | ||||
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| ms.assetid | 1ad468f5-4f75-480b-aac6-0b01b048bd67 | ||||
| caps.latest.revision | 33 | ||||
| author | BYHAM | ||||
| ms.author | rickbyh | ||||
| manager | jhubbard | ||||
| ms.workload | Active |
[!INCLUDEappliesto-ss-xxxx-xxxx-xxx-md] Data and log files are initialized to overwrite any existing data left on the disk from previously deleted files. Data and log files are first initialized by filling the files with zeros when you perform one of the following operations:
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Create a database.
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Add data or log files, to an existing database.
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Increase the size of an existing file (including autogrow operations).
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Restore a database or filegroup.
File initialization causes these operations to take longer. However, when data is written to the files for the first time, the operating system does not have to fill the files with zeros.
In [!INCLUDEssNoVersion], data files can be initialized instantaneously. Instant file initialization allows for fast execution of the previously mentioned file operations. Instant file initialization reclaims used disk space without filling that space with zeros. Instead, disk content is overwritten as new data is written to the files. Log files cannot be initialized instantaneously.
Note
Instant file initialization is available only on [!INCLUDEmsCoName][!INCLUDEwinxppro] or [!INCLUDEwinxpsvr] or later versions.
Instant file initialization is only available if the [!INCLUDEssNoVersion] (MSSQLSERVER) service account has been granted SE_MANAGE_VOLUME_NAME. Members of the Windows Administrator group have this right and can grant it to other users by adding them to the Perform Volume Maintenance Tasks security policy. For more information about assigning user rights, see the Windows documentation.
Some feature usage, such as TDE, can prevent Instant File Initialization.
To grant an account the Perform volume maintenance tasks permission:
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On the computer where the backup file will be created, open the Local Security Policy application (
secpol.msc). -
In the left pane, expand Local Policies, and then click User Rights Assignment.
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In the right pane, double-click Perform volume maintenance tasks.
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Click Add User or Group and add any user accounts that are used for backups.
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Click Apply, and then close all Local Security Policy dialog boxes.
Because the deleted disk content is overwritten only as new data is written to the files, the deleted content might be accessed by an unauthorized principal. While the database file is attached to the instance of [!INCLUDEssNoVersion], this information disclosure threat is reduced by the discretionary access control list (DACL) on the file. This DACL allows file access only to the [!INCLUDEssNoVersion] service account and the local administrator. However, when the file is detached, it may be accessed by a user or service that does not have SE_MANAGE_VOLUME_NAME. A similar threat exists when the database is backed up. If the backup file is not protected with an appropriate DACL, the deleted content can become available to an unauthorized user or service.
If the potential for disclosing deleted content is a concern, you should take one or both of the following actions:
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Always make sure that any detached data files and backup files have restrictive DACLs.
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Disable instant file initialization for the instance of [!INCLUDEssNoVersion] by revoking SE_MANAGE_VOLUME_NAME from the [!INCLUDEssNoVersion] service account.
Note
Disabling instant file initialization only affects files that are created or increased in size after the user right is revoked.