Reduce DB size

SQL 2000 SP2 btw

Usually databases allocate HD-space in chunks. I doesnt expand in size per record you add. When you are close to filling your designated HD-space, the DB automaticly expands to a new chunk of your harddrive.
As a result of that, it doesnt automaticly downsize its "reserved db-space" when you delete a whole bunch of records.

But if you've set your SQLserver to AutoShrink, it should automaticly reduce its size to the nearest available chunk. Anyway, try to see if there is a manual "pack & reindex"-kinda function somewhere in one of the toolbars.

Thanks, I already feel wiser :)

The only option I find is "index tuning wizard" I don't know if it's the right way. I get stuck when it ask me for a "workload file"

Thanks again for your response

/Michael (SQL idiot)

Even though the db doesn't allocate size per record, 5 mil. is about 1.7 gb in db size.

The reason I know that, is that the same records deleted on this db were created on a new db on another SQL server.

You must:
1. Reorganize your indexes
2. Shrink the database

The easiest way to do this is to make a Maintainence plan. Otherwise seek help in books online on the topics mentione.

Funny (or not), I did actualy created a Maintainence plan in order to take backup and check integrity, I somehow managed to skip the "reorginize" part.

Will try in a while.

Thanks

free space restored :-)
kennethrisum, pls make a "svar".

You have both been helpful!