Create a Database Master Key

This topic describes how to create a database master key in SQL Server 2012 by using Transact-SQL.

In This Topic

• Before you begin:

  Security

• To create a database master key using Transact-SQL

Before You Begin

Security

Permissions

Requires CONTROL permission on the database.

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Using Transact-SQL

To create a database master key

1. Choose a password for encrypting the copy of the master key that will be stored in the database.

2. In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of Database Engine.

3. On the Standard bar, click New Query.

4. Copy and paste the following example into the query window and click Execute.

   -- Creates a database master key for the "AdventureWorks2012" database. 
   -- The key is encrypted using the password "23987hxJ#KL95234nl0zBe."
   USE AdventureWorks2012;
   GO
   CREATE MASTER KEY ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = '23987hxJ#KL95234nl0zBe';
   GO
   

For more information, see CREATE MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL).

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