Start/notes.ini Parameters/DataDirectory

DataDirectory

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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
Component
Client, Server
Available since
9.0.1
Supported versions
9.0.1, 10.0, 11.0, 12.0, 14.0, 14.5, 14.5.1
GUI equivalent
notes.ini only (set by setup)
Possible values
Absolute directory path, e.g. C:\Domino\Data or /local/notesdata

Description

DataDirectory is the central entry that tells Notes and Domino which directory contains the data (NSFs, IDs, names.nsf, log.nsf, and many more). The value is set during setup or server configuration and is the basis for almost all other relative path entries.
Changing it later is risky: without simultaneously moving the data, the server can no longer find its databases. When moving 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 the correct permissions for the Domino service account.
  • When changing the directory, move/copy the directory 1:1 beforehand.
  • For multi-server setups, use a separate data directory per Domino instance.
  • Takes effect after a Notes/server restart.
  • Complementary to Directory, KitType, NotesProgram.