Start/notes.ini Parameters/DataDirectory

DataDirectory

Parameter: DataDirectory
Short description: Path to the Notes/Domino data directory. Set during setup and should not be changed afterwards.

Profile

Parameter
DataDirectory
Category
General
Available since
At least 9.0.1 (HCL documentation)
GUI equivalent
notes.ini only (setup result)
Possible values
Absolute directory path, e.g. C:\Domino\Data or /local/notesdata

Description

DataDirectory is the central entry that tells Notes and Domino in which directory the data (NSFs, IDs, names.nsf, log.nsf, and many more) reside. The value is set during setup or server configuration and is the basis for almost all further relative path specifications.
A later change is risky: without simultaneously moving the data, the server will no longer find its databases. When relocating a server/client, the procedure should always be stop server → move data → adjust DataDirectory → start server.

Example configuration

DataDirectory=C:\Domino\Data

Notes & pitfalls

  • Path without trailing slash/backslash.
  • On Linux/AIX strictly absolute, with correct permissions for the Domino service account.
  • When changing the directory, move/copy the directory beforehand 1:1.
  • For multi-server setups, use a separate data directory for each Domino instance.
  • Takes effect after a Notes/server restart.
  • Complementary to Directory, KitType, NotesProgram.

Sources (HCL Product Documentation)