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Moving the PostgreSQL Data Directory (PgDataDir) to a New Location

Overview​

This article outlines the steps required to move an installed PostgreSQL data directory (PgDataDir) for Netwrix Privilege Secure to a new location. In a High Availability (HA) pair, you must perform this procedure on each server separately.

Instructions​

IMPORTANT: It is recommended to make a backup of the PostgreSQL data directory before making manual modifications or moving it. Also, this article pertains specifically to PostgreSQL 16. If using PostgreSQL 12, please contact Netwrix Technical Support to upgrade before proceeding with the following instructions.

  1. While Netwrix Privilege Secure is not in use, stop the postgresql-x64-16 – PostgreSQL Server 16 service in the Windows Services menu (services.msc).
  2. Open the Windows Registry and navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\postgresql-x64-16
    Update the value of ImagePath to reflect the data directory's new location. Only modify the path between quotes after -D, as this is the path to the database.
  3. In the Windows Registry, navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PostgreSQL\Services\postgresql-x64-16
    Update the value of Data Directory to reflect the data directory's new location.
  4. In the Windows Registry, navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PostgreSQL\Installations\postgresql-x64-16
    Update the value of Data Directory to reflect the data directory's new location.
  5. Move the PostgreSQL data directory to its new location. Ensure that the new path matches the one specified in the previous steps.
  6. After moving the PostgreSQL data directory, start the postgresql-x64-16 – PostgreSQL Server 16 service in the Windows Services menu (services.msc).

IMPORTANT: After moving the database to a new location, add the Network Service account to the new folder's Access Control List (ACL).

  1. Verify that you can log in to Netwrix Privilege Secure as usual, navigate the UI, and provision sessions. If everything functions normally, the process is complete.