SQL Server on linux : sqlservr -f vs sqlservr -m

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SQL Server on linux : sqlservr -f vs sqlservr -m

sakuraime 2,351

sqlservr -f vs sqlservr -m what's the difference between two startup option of sql server in Linux ?

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Shashank Singh 6,251

Few of the things are documented here database-engine-service-startup-options

-f starts SQL Server in minimal configuration mode and also in single user mode. Minimal configuration mode is used when due to some wrong configuration SQL Server is not able to start like wrongly placed tempdb, incorrect memory configuration. You can use minimal configuration to change the configuration parameters from sp_configure and then restart SQL Server.

-m as I know is mostly used when master database is not coming online which means SQL Server complete is not coming online. You use -m option to fix master corruption or change it location. There is not much difference between the use of both but internally there is.

-m startup options are documented here start-sql-server-in-single-user-mode

Additional reading overview-of-sql-server-startup-parameters-for-the-sql-database-engine-service

I do not have exhaustive list of difference between both neither MS has documented it. But i know when to use which startup option.

Erland Sommarskog 134.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2020-10-28T22:49:32.657+00:00

One situation where I have had to use -f is when I have set "max server memory" too low. The lowest value is 128 MB, but good luck with having a recent version of SQL Server start with that value.
Shashank Singh 6,251 Reputation points

2020-10-29T09:17:44.18+00:00

@Erland Sommarskog Yes I have mentioned that in my answer as "incorrect memory configuration" :)

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Erland Sommarskog 134.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2020-10-28T22:49:32.657+00:00

One situation where I have had to use -f is when I have set "max server memory" too low. The lowest value is 128 MB, but good luck with having a recent version of SQL Server start with that value.
Shashank Singh 6,251 Reputation points

2020-10-29T09:17:44.18+00:00

@Erland Sommarskog Yes I have mentioned that in my answer as "incorrect memory configuration" :)

Answer 1

m 4,286

Hi @sakuraime ,

Is the reply helpful?

BR,
Mia

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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Answer 2

m 4,286

Hi @sakuraime ,

sqlservr -f vs sqlservr -m what's the difference between two startup option of sql server in Linux ?

-f (Minimal Configuration)
-m (Single user Mode)

Details: database-engine-service-startup-options

More information: overview-of-sql-server-startup-parameters-for-the-sql-database-engine-service

BR,
Mia

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

Shashank Singh 6,251 Reputation points

2020-10-28T06:00:32.153+00:00

And how is this different from answer I have posted, what is point in posting "exactly" same answer, does this add any value ?
m 4,286 Reputation points

2020-10-29T01:15:39.283+00:00

Hi @Shashank Singh .

I really do not want to reply either, however this is one job for me if the case I have took is open, I must follow.
I think this waste time, but I can do nothing,this is the rule. And I have already vote your post.

BR,
Mia

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.
Shashank Singh 6,251 Reputation points

2020-10-29T09:21:43.103+00:00

@m I understand that and got to learn this from MS as well. Frankly this way of working is totally wrong and we have raised this with MS as well that this should stop and rules should change. You should not be burdened with answering all question specially for just the sake of answering it. I dont know what goes in people mind when they create such rule.
Erland Sommarskog 134.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2020-10-29T22:42:00.837+00:00

Mia, i think the best is to do in such a case is just to refer to Shashank's post and confirm that he is correct.

Overall, when you make a post in a thread when there already has been some responses, I think it is good tone to refer to the other posts. When I'm coming late to the party, but I feel that I have something to say which has not been said yet, I often start off "Adding to what X said" or "Adding to what other people have said".
m 4,286 Reputation points

2020-11-02T05:29:46.357+00:00

Yes.You are right.
m 4,286 Reputation points

2020-11-02T05:30:20.273+00:00

I will do what you say as next. @Erland Sommarskog
m 4,286 Reputation points

2020-11-02T05:31:16.673+00:00

You are right.@Shashank Singh

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SQL Server on linux : sqlservr -f vs sqlservr -m

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