---
locale: "en"
updated_at: "2026-08-10T08:16:38.109Z"
canonical: "https://www.isdecisions.com/en/fileaudit/docs/support/faq/database"
---

# Database FAQ

Answers to common questions about FileAudit databases, supported systems, size limits, MySQL setup, and reusing archived databases.

## Where are the file access events stored?

FileAudit stores all file access events in a database. 

The trial version uses a free SQLite database file by default. You can point FileAudit to a different database at any time in **Settings**, on the **Database** tab. 

For how FileAudit organizes the data and which systems are supported, see [Database architecture](/fileaudit/docs/reference/database/architecture).

## What database systems are supported by FileAudit?

FileAudit supports SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft SQL Server Express and MySQL. Microsoft Access supported only if you are using a 32 bits OS. 

For exact supported versions and conditions, see [Database architecture](/fileaudit/docs/reference/database/architecture). 

SQLite is fine for evaluation, but for production we recommend Microsoft SQL Server.

## What is the size limit of the free trial database?

The free database is an SQLite file with no built-in size limit. In practice it is limited only by the free space on the drive where the file is stored. 

By default the file is located in `C:\ProgramData\ISDecisions\FileAudit\Database`, and you can move it and update the path in **Settings**, on the **Database** tab. 

Microsoft SQL Server Express, by contrast, is capped at 10 GB per database.

## How do I use MySQL with FileAudit?

MySQL is greyed out in the database settings until you install the MySQL ODBC connector from the [MySQL website](https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/connector/odbc/). 

Install the connector that matches your operating system: the 32-bit connector on a 32-bit OS, or the 64-bit connector on a 64-bit OS. 

Once it is installed, MySQL becomes available for selection in **Settings**, on the **Database** tab.

![Databse connection MySQL](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/349x327/767fa9a440/database-connection-mysql.png)

## How do I use SQL Server Express as my database?

Configure your [SQL Server Express](/fileaudit/docs/guides/database/use-sql-server-express) Guide instance in **Settings**, on the **Database** tab, by entering the server and instance name and your authentication details. 

To move events from your current database into SQL Server Express, follow [Migrate to another database](/fileaudit/docs/guides/database/migrate-to-another-database).

## Can I read an archived database again?

Yes. You can run reports directly on an archived database without moving it back to production. 

Open any report, click **Filters**, select the archived database from the **Database** list, and apply. 

If the database was created outside FileAudit, add it first in **Settings**, on the **Database** tab. 

For the full procedure, see [Query an archived database](/fileaudit/docs/guides/database/archive-database#query-an-archived-database).

## Can an archived database be restored as the production FileAudit database?

Yes, it is. You only have to configure it as your production database if you only want to restore its data.

If you want to merge it with your current database, just follow the migration procedure using your production database as source and the archived one as destination.