How to Rebuild the Master Database in SQL Server

Introduction of Master Database Rebuild Utilities

A master database holds significant importance in SQL Server since it functions as the primary configuration database and typically exists in two file formats: an MDF file and an LDF file. The MDF file (master.mdf) serves as the main database file, storing schema and data, while the LDF file (mastlog.ldf) keeps the transaction logs. Should the master database become deleted, corrupted, or damaged in any way and cannot be restored from a backup, it can lead to severe malfunctioning of the Microsoft SQL Server. As a SQL Server administrator, it is crucial to understand how to repair a corrupted master database using available tools, such as the built-in Rebuild Wizard and third-party MS SQL repair tools.

Both utilities are intended to assist administrators in addressing common MS SQL Server issues that require rebuilding, restoring, or recovering. Generally, there are three situations where you might need to employ either tool to return a server to its initial healthy state.

• SQL Server failed to reboot after a power surge.
• The server cannot start due to an unexpected system shutdown.
• The MDF file became corrupted because of a virus, user error, or hard disk issues.

NOTE: Restoring the master database can be complicated since it contains information about all databases in the instance and is necessary for startup. Therefore, we recommend taking a full backup of the master database before attempting any further troubleshooting solutions, just in case something goes wrong. Refer to three SQL Server recovery models for more information.

Rebuilding the Master Database in SQL Server #Rebuild Wizard

The Rebuild Wizard utility (rebuildm.exe) is located in a default user directory: Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn subdirectory. Navigate to the path and double-click the program to start the Rebuild Wizard.

Step 1: After verifying the information, click Rebuild to have the utility create a new master database for your SQL Server.

Step 2: Once you've restored a good master database, log in to it in single-user mode. To start the server in single-user mode, run this command in the command prompt:

sqlservr.exe -c -m

Step 3: Next, open SQL Server Configuration Manager and navigate to the Startup Parameters section. In the parameter field, type "-m" and click Add. Then click Apply.

Step 4: Type the following syntax to re-create the master database in SQL Server 2005:

Start /wait setup.exe /qn INSTANCENAME= REINSTALL=SQL_Engine REBUILDDATABASE=1 sapwd=<NewStrongPassword> This command translates to: Start /wait setup.exe /qn INSTANCENAME= REPLACE_WITH_INSTANCE_NAME REINSTALL=SQL_Engine REBUILDDATABASE=1 sapwd= REPLACE_WITH_A_NEW_STRONG_PASSWORD Please replace with the actual instance name and with a new, strong password.

After performing these four operational steps, you should be able to rebuild the damaged master, model, and msdb databases on the same disk.

"Rebuilding Master Database in SQL Server #tools MS SQL Recovery"

< a href="/data-recovery-software/ms-sql-recovery.html">Tools MS SQL Recovery< /a> is a third-party SQL repair tool, which requires downloading and installation for usage. With excellent compatibility across all operating systems and server editions, Tools MS SQL Recovery is primarily designed to restore corrupted MDF/NDF files, fix database log files, and recover damaged objects such as tables, indexes, triggers, keys, views, stored procedures, functions, and more.

Aside from its ability to restore a corrupt or failed SQL Server resulting from master database issues, it has added powerful features for locating and restoring deleted data and records. Moreover, it offers flexibility in saving a repaired database, with the option to choose from four formats: MSSQL, CSV, XLS, and HTML.

Step 1: Select the corrupted database for recovery

1. Launch the MS SQL Recovery tool. 2. Select the corrupted database file by clicking "Browse" (the two dots) or "Search". 3. After selecting the file, click the "Repair" button to initiate the Analyzing process.

Important: You must stop the SQL Server service to use this software.

Step 2: Repair the corrupted database

The software presents all recoverable items in a tree-like structure. These items are displayed in the left pane. Select the component you wish to recover. Within the window, click on the "Export" button.

Step 3: Export to the database or as scripts

Translate the following text into English: - Choose to export database objects to a database or export the items as scripts. - If you select "Export to database," provide the necessary information and choose the target database.

A window will appear asking for the credentials to connect to the server and the location to save the recovered items. Click "OK" to begin the repair process.

Note: You need to restart the SQL Server service before clicking "OK".

Comparison and Conclusion

If your master database becomes corrupted or is severely damaged and cannot be restored from backups, the rebuild.exe and SQL tools software can be invaluable in rebuilding it to its default state.

Selecting the Rebuild Wizard, reconstructing a master database can be a time-consuming, laborious, and somewhat complex process, typically requiring a complete reinstallation of the SQL Server. Conversely, using an MS SQL repair tool makes the troubleshooting process relatively easier and automated. It offers a graphical user interface that enables users to specify the source files and achieves full recovery with just a single click on the Repair option.