SQL Server Data Refresh I need to be able to restore around 6TB of data from one MS SQL 2008 instance into another SQL Instance. DBA's and backup folk are estimating between 36 and 48 hours for the restore. I can't afford this amount of down time on the target system.
Would it be possible to mount additional drives on the target SQL server, restore the data files to the new drives and then simply change the location of the data files in the DB once the restore is complete?
This way the only down time is getting the drives mounted and switching data file location.
Would it be possible to mount additional drives on the target SQL server, restore the data files to the new drives and then simply change the location of the data files in the DB once the restore is complete?

Yes, if the two databases on the target server have the same file layout.  A simpler and safer procedure is to restore the database with a different name, and then rename the databases to swap.
If you can avoid detaching a databse, setting it offline or shutting down SQL Server you have extra protection against losing data.