Considerations for Rebuilding the Master Database

When damaged, the master database must be rebuilt if either of the following is true:

  • A current backup of master is not available.
  • A backup of master exists, but it cannot be restored because the instance of SQL Server cannot start.

Note

If you are using the full recovery model for msdb, which is recommended, try taking a tail-log backup of msdb before you rebuild. For more information, see Tail-Log Backups.

The Rebuildm.exe program was discontinued in SQL Server 2005. For more information, see How to: Install SQL Server 2008 from the Command Prompt.

Important

Rebuilding the master database installs all system databases to their initial location. If you have moved one or more system databases to a different location, you must move the databases again. For more information, see Moving System Databases.

See Also

Concepts

Considerations for Restoring the master Database

Other Resources

System Databases

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2008 Assistance