Error 8985 cannot locate file xxx in sysfiles

I am attempting to shrink a datafile (I have 2 primary data files) when I
receive this error message 'Error 8985 cannot locate file xxx in sysfiles'.
I have repeatedly verified the data file name and even did a 'cut n paste'
into a query in qa dbcc shrinkfile with the same results. I have no
problem shrinking the second file and the log file through either method.
I even ran dbcc shrinkfile (3, emptyfile) moving all data to the problem
file. After removing the second datafile I created a new second datafile
in the primary filegroup and am in the process of moving the data to the
new file. Hopefully I will be able to remove the problem file afterward.
Although I suspect this will still not work because I will have to use the
logical file name and not the number.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Message posted via http://www.droptable.comYou did a cut and paste from where? What column of what
query? Generally the error is due to referencing the
physical file name and not the logical file name. It's hard
to tell as you example is using the file id which is fine as
well. Also, make sure you are in the correct database when
getting the logical file name or id and when executing the
shrinkfile. If you are selecting from sysfiles or executing
sp_helpdb to get the name, it applies to the current
database only. If it still fails and you aren't using
fileid, try using that instead. It could be an issue with
the logical file name not following the rules for
identifiers.
-Sue
On Wed, 02 Mar 2005 19:49:01 GMT, "andy williams via
droptable.com" <forum@.droptable.com> wrote:

>I am attempting to shrink a datafile (I have 2 primary data files) when I
>receive this error message 'Error 8985 cannot locate file xxx in sysfiles'.
>I have repeatedly verified the data file name and even did a 'cut n paste'
>into a query in qa dbcc shrinkfile with the same results. I have no
>problem shrinking the second file and the log file through either method.
>I even ran dbcc shrinkfile (3, emptyfile) moving all data to the problem
>file. After removing the second datafile I created a new second datafile
>in the primary filegroup and am in the process of moving the data to the
>new file. Hopefully I will be able to remove the problem file afterward.
>Although I suspect this will still not work because I will have to use the
>logical file name and not the number.
>Any help will be greatly appreciated!
>Thanks