Starting SQL Server with Minimal Configuration

If you have configuration problems that prevent the server from starting, you can start an instance of Microsoft® SQL Server™ using the minimal configuration startup option. This is the startup option -f. Starting an instance of SQL Server with minimal configuration places the server in single-user mode automatically.

When you start an instance of SQL Server in minimal configuration mode:

• Only a single user can connect, and the CHECKPOINT process is not executed.
  
  
• Remote access and read-ahead are disabled.
  
  
• Startup stored procedures do not run.
  
  
• The sp_configure stored procedure allow updates option is enabled. By default, the allow updates option is disabled.

After the server has been started with minimal configuration, you should change the appropriate server option value or values, stop, and then restart the server.

Important  Stop the SQL Server Agent service before connecting to an instance of SQL Server in minimal configuration mode. Otherwise, the SQL Server Agent service uses the connection, thereby blocking it.

To start SQL Server with minimal configuration

Command Prompt

See Also

Setting Configuration Options

sp_configure

Using Startup Options