Changing an IQ_SYSTEM_MAIN File Path

The paths of all dbfiles in IQ_SYSTEM_MAIN must be visible to the secondary nodes. Otherwise, the secondary node does not start, and reports Error opening DBFILE 'filepath'.

To change an IQ_SYSTEM_MAIN file path that cannot be resolved by creating links, follow these steps on the coordinator:

  1. Shut down all the servers in the multiplex.
  2. Start the coordinator in single node mode using the -iqmpx_sn 1 switch.
  3. Make the dbfile read-only:
    ALTER DBSPACE IQ_SYSTEM_MAIN ALTER FILE 
    mainfile READONLY
  4. Run:
    sp_iqemptyfile mainfile
  5. Drop the dbfile:
    ALTER DBSPACE IQ_SYSTEM_MAIN DROP FILE 
    mainfile
  6. Add the dbfile with the path visible to all secondary nodes. For example, on UNIX:
    ALTER DBSPACE IQ_SYSTEM_MAIN ADD FILE 
    mainfile '/dev/rdsk/c4t600A0B80005A7F5D0000024' 
    On Windows:
    ALTER DBSPACE IQ_SYSTEM_MAIN ADD FILE 
    mainfile '\\\\.\\PhysicalDrive1' 
  7. Restart the coordinator normally, without the -iqmpx_sn 1 switch.
  8. Synchronize secondary nodes.
The IQ_SYSTEM_MAIN dbspace manages important database structures including the freelist, which tracks which blocks are in use. Shut down secondary nodes before adding space to IQ_SYSTEM_MAIN. If a dbfile is added to IQ_SYSTEM_MAIN, all running secondary nodes shut down automatically and the IQ message file for the secondary node reports:
Multiplex secondary node shutting down 
due to a file added to the IQ_SYSTEM_MAIN dbspace.
This node must be synchronized and restarted.