SQL Server 2005 introduced a feature called Instant File Initialization. While this feature is not enabled by default, it allows SQL Server to perform data file creation-modification operations much faster. In the case of database restores, SQL Server does not have to first zero-out the allocated disk space for the database data files. Instead, SQL Server leverages the used disk space as is and overwrites as new data is written to the files. Microsoft disables this feature by default because the database files may contain old data that resided on the hard drives prior. This is not data that causes SQL Server any issues, but should someone get their hands on the raw data files, they may be able to mine them for information. It’s something to be aware of, despite the great performance benefits.

1. Speed Database Recovery With
Instant File Initialization
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2. SQL Server
2005
introduced
a feature
called
Instant File
Initialization
2
It allows SQL Server to
perform data file creationmodification operations much
faster.
In the case of database
restores, SQL Server does not
have to first zero-out the
allocated disk space for the
database data files.
Instead, SQL Server leverages
the used disk space as is and
overwrites as new data is
written to the files.
SQLDBApros

3. Microsoft
disables this
feature by
default
because the
database
files may
contain old
data already
on the drive
3
This is not data that causes
SQL Server any issues, but
should someone get their
hands on the raw data files,
they may be able to mine
them for information.
It’s something to be aware of,
despite the great performance
benefits.
SQLDBApros

4. Improvements
in
performance
could mean
the difference
between
restores taking
a few seconds
and restores
taking tens of
minutes
The performance benefits
improve as the size of the
database increases.
While zeroing out the space
does clear previous data, there
is a significant performance
cost to those write operations.
A 50% improvement in
restore time is common.
However, you may see much
more improvement—an order
of magnitude, for example.
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5. You'll need
to add the
SQL Server
Service
Account to
the list.
This feature is enabled via a
permission setting for the SQL
Server service account
(SE_MANAGE_VOLUME_NAME)—the
Perform Volume Maintenance Tasks
security policy.
You can manage this setting by
running SECPOL.MSC from the
Windows Start-Run menu option
and navigating to Local Policies –
User Rights Assignment, and
opening the Perform Volume
Maintenance Tasks option.
You'll need to add the SQL Server
Service Account to the list.
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6. Learn More
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