You are here: Microsoft SQL Protection > Restoring SQL backups > Restoring the master database

Restoring the master database

Consider the following when restoring the master database:

• The master database can only be restored to its original server, SQL instance, and name, thus overwriting the database.
• The SQL instance must be stopped before you initiate the restore.
• The master database must be restored as an individual restore job. Therefore, the master database cannot be restored using the multiple SQL restore feature.

To restore the master database

1 Stop the SQL server instance that the master database you’re restoring belongs to.

See the Microsoft TechNet article How to Stop an Instance of SQL Server.

2 Select the SQL icon in the Navigation pane and click Restore.
3 Select a Recovery Point Day from which the backup will be restored by clicking on the calendar. Available days display in bold.
4 Select a backup of the master database from the Recovery Point Times list.
5 Click Next (Select Options).

Note:  System databases must be restored individually. The multiple SQL restore feature is not supported for the master database.

6 (Optional) Check the Specify Target Pathname? check box and supply an alternate path. By default, databases are restored to their original location.

Note:  Specifying an alternate pathname does not prevent your database from being overwritten.

7 (Optional) Specify pre- and post-backup commands by clicking the Show Advanced Execution Options icon. For details see Backup options New and View/Modify buttons.
8 Click Restore. The Restore Confirmation dialog box displays informing you that restoring the database without changing the name will overwrite the existing database. It is not possible to change the name of the master database. Check the check-box and click Confirm.
9 Click Okay on the Restore Status dialog box. You can view the status of your restore by navigating to Settings > System Monitoring > Jobs. For details, see Monitoring running restore jobs.