Rebuilding or Restoring The SQL Server 2008 Master Database

Rebuild master database in 2008 is different from 2005 and 2000

We don't need externale binary files or setup cd, We can find setup.exe at below location:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Setup Bootstrap\Release"


Follow the steps below to rebuild the Master Database.


1. From a command prompt window change to the following directory:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Setup Bootstrap\Release"

2. Next paste the following into the command prompt window and press “Enter”:

Setup.Exe /Action=RebuildDatabase /InstanceName=MSSQLSERVER SAPWD=sa

If master.mdf file is missing manually copy the necessary file(s) from C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10.ONE2008\MSSQL\Binn\Templates

In case it doesn't work restore the master database on another server and replace the master data and log files on original server and then start repairing from setup file.


Restore latest backup of master and other databases for minimum data loss.