Cannot Start SQL Server 2k To Restore DB's

[mcfly1204]

We lost a couple of drives that contained one database(mdf/ldf) and another drive that contained several log files. I have the new drives in place, and a current SQL backup to use for restores, but I cannot get SQL Server started. I can get the instance started in single user mode, but that does not help me to restore the databases. Any thoughts on how I can get this started so that I can perform my restores?

[Jerry Winston]

At least you're able to get started in some capacity(Single User). Let's start debugging!

1. Although the SQL server appears to be failing silently, there are probably several error logs pointing to the failure. Check the SQL Server Logs as well as the Windows application/services logs. A lot of events may have been logged on your system since the last error. Before reviewing the error logs, repeat the steps you followed to the point of failure. This should create a new entry in your log files near the 'top' of the list which will make it easier to find.

The root cause of the error might be listed explicitly in the log, allowing you to fix the problem quickly. However, if you don't immediately see the solution, please post the most relevant entries from your error logs and Bytes can help you further.

BTW, if you do find the solution, please post it! It's always when a user with a similar problem can search the symptoms and find the cure at the same time.

[mcfly1204]

The problem ended up being that SQL Server could not create the tempdb because the path to where the tempdb was originally located was also on one of the drives that we lost. Once I recreated the directory structure, SQL Server was able to create the tempdb, and I was up and running.

I would also like to point out that anyone looking to restore a database after either the database file or log file has been deleted will need to recreate the directory structure unless they intend to use WITH MOVE to place the files in a new location.