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sqlsql-serversql-server-2008ssmssqlcmd

How do I grant myself admin access to a local SQL Server instance?

I installed SQL Server 2008 R2 to my local machine. But, I can't create a new database because of rights (or lack of).

"CREATE DATABASE PERMISSION DENIED"

So, I tried to assign the admin privileges to my current login

"User does not have permission to perform this action."

I also tried to create a new login that would have admin privileges but with no luck. How do I grant myself admin rights so that I can create a database? I can re-install, but I prefer not to.

Solution

  • Yes - it appears you forgot to add yourself to the sysadmin role when installing SQL Server. If you are a local administrator on your machine, this blog post can help you use SQLCMD to get your account into the SQL Server sysadmin group without having to reinstall. It's a bit of a security hole in SQL Server, if you ask me, but it'll help you out in this case.