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Master Database

Author

Topic

Bill Andrews
Starting Member

6 Posts

Posted - 2009-05-20 : 20:10:59

I just installed SQL Server 2008 Developer edition.
I cannot get the MASTER database to show up in the Object Explorer.
The .mdf file is there, it will not attach because the server is using it.
I have checked the logins, the MASTER shows as the default.

Any ideas?

GilaMonster
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

4507 Posts

Posted - 2009-05-21 : 06:09:38

You'll find it and the other system databases in the folder System Databases. If master wasn't there, SQL wouldn't even start.

--
Gail Shaw
SQL Server MVP

Bill Andrews
Starting Member

6 Posts

Posted - 2009-05-21 : 23:04:50

Thanks Gail for the quick response.
My background is that of a mainframe DBA.
I do understand Database system catalogs.

I did find master.mdf in the C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10.INSTANCE1\MSSQL\DATA.

Is that what you were referring to?

I just cannot get it to show up on the Object Explorer.

When I try to manually attach the master.mdf file I get a message saying it is already in use.

My project requires that I be able to query the INFORMATION_SCHEMA.COLUMNS.

Any assistance will be appreciated.

GilaMonster
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

4507 Posts

Posted - 2009-05-22 : 06:16:35

No, I'm not talking about the mdf file.

In object explorer if you expand out the database folder, there's another folder 'system database'. Master is in there, along with model, msdb and tempdb.

The master database is attached. If it wasn't SQL wouldn't even start. The master database is where all the critical system info is stored, though the information schema views are actually not in it.
There's no need for you to mess with it or try to attach it and, if you do mess with the files, you may well completely break the sql instance.

Now, you say you need to query the information schema. Can you do so? If not, what exactly is the error you're getting?

--
Gail Shaw
SQL Server MVP

Bill Andrews
Starting Member

6 Posts

Posted - 2009-05-22 : 10:27:31

My Explorer looks just like yours except the Master is not in the list.
Your are right without it the server would not work.
It just seems to be hidden?

I am new to this forum. How do insert an image?
When I select 'Insert Image' this pops up

I tried the below format with no luck.

[img][c:\master-not.jpg]

thanks again.
Bill

Bill Andrews
Starting Member

6 Posts

Posted - 2009-05-22 : 13:52:10

Gail,
Wish I could say I figured it out, but I got the answer from

Microsoft Developer Network

To show your system database please
1. Go to Tools menu, click Options then General, unchecked Hide System Objects in Object explorer
2. then restart Sql Service
3. Close Management Studio and Open Management Studio again

Thanks for your efforts.

Bill Andrews
Starting Member

6 Posts

Posted - 2009-05-22 : 13:52:49

GilaMonster
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

4507 Posts

Posted - 2009-05-23 : 06:00:07

Now, regarding the information schema, do you have any problems querying it?

Regarding the pics, you have to upload the pics to a website before you can link them. Obviously I can't see files on your C drive.

--
Gail Shaw
SQL Server MVP

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