• In that case, you might try what SQL Server itself uses for replication if you have the disk space. BCP in native format. Export the table to a file, then import it in half million (or less depending on the size of your rows) row chunks using the batch size setting. It will keep your log file from exploding.

    As an alternative, you could have the infrastructure folks do what I believe is called a "SAN Snapshot" to copy the mdf and ldf files and then simply attach the database.

    --Jeff Moden


    RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
    First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
    ________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

    Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.


    Helpful Links:
    How to post code problems
    How to Post Performance Problems
    Create a Tally Function (fnTally)