How Can I Read Where TempDB's Files Will Be Created After Restoring Master DB?

Question

I'm restoring to an alternate server in a DR drill and have restored master but can't restart the instance, even with /f and /m switches. The log is indicating tempdb can't be created, probably looking for the paths from the source instance. How can I determine which path it's trying to create tempdb's DB files in?

I was able to restore the master backup under an alternate name on a different instance so I can browse the system tables. Is there a spot where I can look for them?

I have to go with the assumption that access to the source server is lost so I can only rely on the backups to determine the correct configuration.

Answer 1

Refer to Instance will not start

There is a section called: TempDB location does not exist, you should be able to see the location in the SQL server log

Answer 2

Start SQL Server in minimal config mode, master only configuration, from a command prompt:

[path to this instance]\Binn\sqlservr.exe -c -f -T3608

(Add -s InstanceName incase it is named instance.)

Now, in a different command prompt, connect using SQLCMD:

> sqlcmd -E

now change the path of the tempdb and shutdown

> ALTER DATABASE tempdb MODIFY FILE (NAME = tempdev, filename = 'E:\Data\tempdb.mdf');
> ALTER DATABASE tempdb MODIFY FILE (NAME = templog, filename = 'E:\Data\tempdb.mdf');
> SHUTDOWN WITH NOWAIT;
> GO

Now start SQL Server