title: Restoring SQL Server Database - Master Key Not Opening
body: <p>I have to make a local copy of a remote SQL Server database. I did this by using Tasks > Backup from Management Studio. I then locally restored the backup, which seems to have everything -- tables, users, symmetric key, and certificate.</p>
  
  <p>When I try to perform a select that requires me to open the symmetric key and decrypt by the certificate, I get this error:</p>
  
  <pre><code>Please create a master key in the database or open the master key in the session before performing this operation.
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Why am I being asked for this, and why doesn't it open automatically like it does on the remote server?</p>
  
  <p>I've tried changing the master key, but without the original password, I can't do much.</p>