Where Is the Active Directory Database Stored?
Domain controllers keep AD in ntds.dit under C:\Windows\NTDS, with logs beside it and SYSVOL separate.
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Every domain controller stores the directory in ntds.dit inside C:\Windows\NTDS. Transaction logs sit in the same folder and replay into the database on boot. SYSVOL policies replicate separately through file replication.
Never copy ntds.dit while the service runs. Backups go through System State, which captures the database plus registry and SYSVOL consistently. Direct file copies restore to nothing usable because the running database never quiesces for Explorer.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
C:\Windows\NTDS\ntds.dit
Main directory database plus edb logs in the same folder. Back up with System State, never file copy. SYSVOL policies live under C:\Windows\SYSVOL separately.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move ntds.dit to another drive?
Yes with ntdsutil in Directory Services Restore Mode, which updates paths and moves logs. Plan an outage window first. Replication partners notice nothing when it returns.
Where are Group Policy files then?
Under C:\Windows\SYSVOL\sysvol, replicated by DFSR rather than AD replication. The database holds the policy links while SYSVOL holds the templates. Back up both together.
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