Database master

Database master is crucial for the correct running of SQL Server service. In this database is stored data about logins, all databases and their files, instance configurations, linked servers, and so on. SQL Server finds this database at startup via two startup parameters, -d and -l, followed by paths to mdf and ldf files.

These parameters are very important in situations when the administrator wants to move the master's files to a different location. Changing their values is possible in the SQL Server Configuration Manager in the SQL Server service Properties dialog on the tab called startup parameters.