How to extract attachments from SQL Database to Network Location due to SQL Express Size Limit

Overview

The Microix Attachment Utility is designed to help administrators extract and relocate attachments stored within the Microix SQL database to a network location or shared drive.

This process is especially useful when your SQL Server Express database has reached its maximum size limit (typically 10 GB), preventing further growth or normal operation.

By exporting attachments out of the database, you can free up significant space, allowing your Microix and MIP systems to continue functioning without needing to upgrade your SQL edition.

⚠️ Note: The Microix Attachment Utility is not publicly available. To obtain a copy, please email support@microix.net or contact Microix Support at (866) 462-7649.

Pre-Requisites

Before running the utility, ensure the following:

1. Download and Extract
   Copy and unzip the Attachment Utility file received from Microix to your MIP/Microix Server.

2. Permissions
   The utility requires a trusted connection to the SQL Server instance.
   An administrator must run the process.

3. Disk Space
   Verify the destination folder has sufficient free disk space to store all extracted attachments.

4. Export Folder Location
   You may use the Microix Share\Attachments folder or any other physical, network, or external location.

   • If using multiple Microix databases, create a separate export folder for each database.

Running the Attachment Utility

1. Open MicroixAttachmentUtility.exe.

2. Enter the following details:

   Field	Description
   SQL Server	Name of your MIP/Microix SQL Server (include the instance name).
   Attachment Database Name	Accept the default unless renamed.
   Microix Database Name	Accept the default unless renamed.
   Export Location	Accept the default or specify another folder. For multiple databases, use different folders.
   Limit Top Records	Optional — limits number of attachments exported (useful for testing small batches).
   Encrypt Files	Default = YES. Use NO only if you no longer use Microix and need unencrypted access.

3. When ready, click Export to begin the process.
   Repeat these steps for each Microix database, using a unique export location for each.

   ⚠️ Do not export multiple databases into a single folder.

Post-Export Verification

After exporting attachments:

1. Verify Workflow Modules Access

   • Log in to Microix Workflow Modules.

   • Navigate to:
     Maintenance → Global Options → Application Options.

   • Ensure the option “Save Attachments to UNC Path” is checked.

   • Enter the UNC path of your attachment folder.

   • Re-login to Microix and open several documents to confirm attachment access.

2. Check Folder Permissions

• Verify the attachment folder has read/write permissions for all relevant users or services.

Troubleshooting

Error: Unable to View Attachments

If users encounter errors when attempting to view attachments:

• Navigate to:
  Maintenance → Global Options → Application Settings

Summary

The Microix Attachment Utility provides an effective way to offload attachments from SQL Express databases that have reached their maximum size limit, ensuring Microix Workflow continues to function smoothly.
By following this process, you can maintain performance, prevent database growth issues, and securely store attachments on a network location.