Active Directory database files

An Active Directory database consists of the following files:

1. NTDS.dit (database file)
2. Edb.chk (checkpoint file)
3. Edb*.log (transaction logs)
4. Res1.log and Res2.log (two reserve log files)

The files are typically located in the %systemroot%\NTDS folder (such as C:\Windows\NTDS) of a domain controller. However, their location is configurable. The database files and the transaction logs may be stored on different volumes. Make sure that both volumes are included in the backup.

To determine the current location of the database files and transaction logs, examine the DSA Database file and Database log files path values in the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netlogon\Parameters