Creating a database master key

In this recipe, we will create a database master key.

Getting ready

We will create a database master key for the master database in this recipe. You can substitute a different database for this exercise if you wish.

The T-SQL equivalent of what we are trying to accomplish is:

USE master
GO
CREATE MASTER KEY ENCRYPTION 
BY PASSWORD = 'P@ssword'

How to do it...

Let's list the steps required to complete the task:

1. Open the PowerShell console by going to Start | Accessories | Windows PowerShell | Windows PowerShell ISE.

2. Import the SQLPS module, and create a new SMO Server object as follows:

   #import SQL Server module
   Import-Module SQLPS -DisableNameChecking
   
   #replace this with your instance name
   $instanceName = "KERRIGAN"
   
   $server = New-Object -TypeName Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Server -ArgumentList $instanceName

3. Add the following script and run:

   $VerbosePreference = "Continue"
   $masterdb =  $server.Databases["master"]
   if($masterdb.MasterKey -eq $null)
   {
      $masterkey...