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sqlsql-serversql-server-2012adventureworks

Permissions error when attaching a database: "Cannot access the specified path"

I am running SQL Server 2012 Enterprise Edition. I have downloaded the AdventureWorks 2012 OLTP data files (both .mdf and .ldf). I saved them to the AW folder that I created in My Documents where I unzipped the file. I go to SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) right-click on database, and click attach in the context menu. In the dialog I click find.

The UI does not allow me to navigate to folder. I try typing the full path to the file, and then I get the following error:

Cannot access the specified path or file on the server. Verify that you have the necessary security privileges and that the path or file exists.

I closed SSMS and restarted it, this time running as the administrator. Same bad result.

This should not be this hard. What are the exact steps to successfully attach the AdventureWorks2012 database to SSMS?

Thanks!

Solution

  • Put your files to default location for Database Engine data files. If you didn't reconfigure anything it should be 

    \Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.<InstanceID>\MSSQL\Data

    And then Attach db using SSMS.