HOW TO: Restore the Master Database in SQL Server 2014

I like having a routine. Most people do, I suppose. There’s some comfort in knowing what lies ahead, what comes next.

The same holds true for restoring the master database in SQL Server 2014, because it’s the same routine as what I posted for SQL Server 2012.

For those of you too lazy to click on the link, I will summarize the steps for you here:

1. Using SQL Configuration manager, stop the SQL Server instance
2. Open a command window
3. In the command window, start the instance executable in maintenance mode
4. In a second command window, open SQLCMD
5. Restore master from within the SQLCMD window
6. Using SQL configuration manager, restart instance

That’s all there is to it, again. While SQL Server 2014 has a lot of new shiny features making headlines, restoring master has not changed.

You’re welcome.