Location of the mdf file of the database I have a database Project. My problem is where can I find the .mdf and _log.ldf of my database so that I can transfer my database to another user. I am using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management Studio 

 

My Ssms.exe is stored in this path

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\VSShell\Common7\IDE\Ssms.exe
There are few ways to determine the location of the SQL Server mdf file(s) and associated log file(s).


Open Enterprise Manager, right click on the database you are interested in and select properties. Select the Files section and scroll across to the Path and FileName columns.
Open a query window and run the relevant query below and view the Physical_Name column.


SQL 2005 or later:

SELECT * FROM sys.database_files


SQL 2000:

SELECT * FROM dbo.sysfiles



Open a query window and run sp_helpfile and view the FileName column.


Of course, as these files are in use by SQL Server you should not attempt to copy the files to a different location.

The best method is to perform a backup from within Enterprise Manager by right clicking on the database you are interested in and selecting Tasks -> Backup.

Alternatively you can detach your database, copy the files and then attach. 

A third alternative once you have a copy of the database running elsewhere, is to set up log shipping or replication.