One of the common questions that SQL Server users often have is whether it is possible to shrink NDF and MDF files without any data loss. In this article, we will explore the concept of shrinking database files and provide you with the necessary information.

Firstly, it is important to note that shrinking NDF and MDF files is indeed possible and does not result in any data loss. However, it is not always advisable to shrink these files as they typically tend to grow over time.

There are certain scenarios where shrinking database files becomes necessary. For example, if a database is split into multiple databases or if a large table is dropped from the database, the MDF and NDF files may contain significant empty space. In such cases, shrinking the files can help reclaim disk space.

When it comes to shrinking the database, it is important to understand that the process can take several hours to complete. However, the chances of data loss during this process are very slim.

Here is an example script to shrink the entire database:

DBCC SHRINKDATABASE (dbName)

If you want to shrink a specific file, you can use the following script:

DBCC SHRINKFILE (logicalLogFileName)

To find the logicalLogFileName, you can execute the following command:

USE dbName
EXEC sp_helpfile

Let’s understand this concept using the AdventureWorks database as an example:

/* Shrink Whole AdventureWorks Database */
DBCC SHRINKDATABASE (AdventureWorks)
GO

/* Get the Logical File Name */
USE AdventureWorks
EXEC sp_helpfile
GO

/* Shrink MDF File of AdventureWorks Database */
DBCC SHRINKFILE (AdventureWorks_Data)
GO

Once the shrinking process is complete, you will receive a result set with information about the new states of the database files.

Remember, it is important to carefully consider the need for shrinking database files and evaluate the potential impact on performance and disk space before proceeding with the process.

We hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of shrinking NDF and MDF files in SQL Server. If you have any further questions or queries, feel free to reach out to us.

Happy SQL Server management!