Rebuilding System Databases

  • Hi Guys

    Situation: SQL 2008 Master DB is corrupt, instance won't start and I have backups of the master database

    I'm referencing the following article:

    http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Rebuilding+system+databases/87156/

    It seems that when your Master database is corrupt, the rebuild process recreates all your system databases, is this necessary if just your Master is broken?

    Is there another way to get around this situation?

    Thanks

  • Yes, it is necessary. Rebuild the system databases, start SQL, restore the backups of the system DBs.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • GilaMonster (11/28/2012)


    Yes, it is necessary. Rebuild the system databases, start SQL, restore the backups of the system DBs.

    Could this possibly work:

    >> Restore the Master database to another SQL Instance

    >> Replace with mdf and ldf of the corrupted master with a copy of the restored master files

  • I would not recommend restoring master to other servers. Not least because you overwrite that server's master DB which you then have to go and restore from its backups later.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • GilaMonster (11/28/2012)


    I would not recommend restoring master to other servers. Not least because you overwrite that server's master DB which you then have to go and restore from its backups later.

    And restoring it as a different database?

  • SQLSACT (11/28/2012)


    GilaMonster (11/28/2012)


    Yes, it is necessary. Rebuild the system databases, start SQL, restore the backups of the system DBs.

    Could this possibly work:

    >> Restore the Master database to another SQL Instance

    >> Replace with mdf and ldf of the corrupted master with a copy of the restored master files

    I have previously restored the master as a user database and detached it, renamed the disk files back and then plugged them into the corrupted instance

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

  • Perry Whittle (11/28/2012)


    SQLSACT (11/28/2012)


    GilaMonster (11/28/2012)


    Yes, it is necessary. Rebuild the system databases, start SQL, restore the backups of the system DBs.

    Could this possibly work:

    >> Restore the Master database to another SQL Instance

    >> Replace with mdf and ldf of the corrupted master with a copy of the restored master files

    I have previously restored the master as a user database and detached it, renamed the disk files back and then plugged them into the corrupted instance

    Is it just me or does this seem like a much simpler approach?

    Are there any downsides to this method?

  • For the instance to start it needs to have a master db present, i use the tact above and then make sure to restore a full system backup set once the instance is accessible

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

  • it won't help this time I know, but I always keep flat files copies of the system databases (I take a copy at each upgrade), then these can just be slid into place in the event of a corruption.

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