The following table lists the initial configuration values of the master data and log files. The sizes of these files may vary slightly for different editions of SQL Server.

For information about how to move the master data and log files, see Moving System Databases. The Resource database depends on the location of the master database. If you move the master database, you must also move the Resource database to the same location.

Database Options

The following operations cannot be performed on the master database:

• Adding files or filegroups.
  
• Changing collation. The default collation is the server collation.
  
• Changing the database owner. master is owned by dbo.
  
• Creating a full-text catalog or full-text index.
  
• Creating triggers on system tables in the database.
  
• Dropping the database.
  
• Dropping the guest user from the database.
  
• Enabling change data capture.
  
• Participating in database mirroring.
  
• Removing the primary filegroup, primary data file, or log file.
  
• Renaming the database or primary filegroup.
  
• Setting the database to OFFLINE.
  
• Setting the database or primary filegroup to READ_ONLY.
  

When you work with the master database, consider the following recommendations:

• Always have a current backup of the master database available.
  
• Back up the master database as soon as possible after the following operations:
  
  • Creating, modifying, or dropping any database
    
  • Changing server or database configuration values
    
  • Modifying or adding logon accounts
    
• Do not create user objects in master. Otherwise, master must be backed up more frequently.
  
• Do not set the TRUSTWORTHY option to ON for the master database.
  

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