Installable File Systems
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4/8/2010
MSMQ can use an installable file system for its base directory. For this, the base directory must point to any directory on this file system.
Because the installable file system might not initialize late in the boot cycle, the MSMQ service waits on a directory to become available for a period of time, in seconds, specified in the FSMaxTimeout DWORD registry entry.
If you put MSMQ storage on the installable file system, be sure the file system is available, such as the network connection or the flash card presence, when MSMQ is started.
To move MSMQ's storage from one file system or directory to another, do the following:
- Stop MSMQ.
- Change the base directory BaseDir value in the registry.
- Copy the storage contents to the new place.
MSMQ is a storage-intensive application, so a slow file system can significantly degrade performance.
Notes on Flash Card usage
MSMQ can have its storage located on Flash or Compact Flash card, just as on any other installable file system.
This ensures that messages are not lost if the system suffers total power loss or locks up so it requires a cold boot.
However, while the internal file system is transactional and fault tolerant, the flash card runs simple FAT FS, which is neither.
Also, the flash card should not be removed from the system when MSMQ is operational. Doing so can lead to message loss and file corruption.
Always stop MSMQ before removing the flash card.
See Also
Concepts
MSMQ Application Development
Summary of Supported MSMQ Functions
Administration
Using the MSMQAdm Utility
Backup
Uninstallation
Application Installation of MSMQ
Installation Options
Debugging MSMQ Installations
MSMQ Security