Mike C (8/23/2009)

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Before you do anything further with this database, immediately take a backup and store it somewhere.

Next restore the backup database to a different database and immediately try to backup the DMK and certificate in the database to files. Then go to your current database and try restoring the DMK and certificate from the file (in that order). You may have to use the FORCE option, but try it without the FORCE option first. I've used this method to "copy" a DMK and certificates over to new databases before.

For future reference, your DBA needs to immediately back up all certificates and encryption keys on the server/in the database immediately after creating them, and store them in a secure (preferably off-site) location.

I encrypted my data with one certificate but unfortunately another dba deleted master key and certificate.