How to Fix SQL Server Error 5120: Attach Database Error

Summary: SQL Databases often face user-side or server-side errors due to many inconsistencies or other problems. One such common error is the 5120, which is related to the permission issues in attaching the database. This error looks simple, but it creates panic across all SQL databases. So, this guide explains efficient ways and provides a SQL Database Recovery Tool to fix SQL Server Error 5120. Download Now Purchase Now

What Caused SQL Database Error 5120?

The main reason lies in the unauthorized access to MDF/LDF files. It can be due to the following factors:

• The database file is not present at its accurate location.
• Unable to open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) with administrative rights.
• Server drives aren’t permitted to store the server files, or are short of storage.
• Trying to access the database with a false account or one without admin privileges.
• Improper functioning of the SQL database due to corrupted MDF/LDF files.

Troubleshoot to Fix SQL Server Error 5120

We will discuss the manual solutions and the professional tool available to solve this error. Also, notice how the expert utility excels on the freeways without any extra effort or add-ons.

Manual Resolve Microsoft SQL Server Error 5120

There are several manual ways available to reduce the risk and fix the error. All of them are briefly explained one after another. Follow them as stated below:

Method 1: Grant Permissions to SQL Service Account

1. First, ensure you run SSMS as an administrator on Windows OS.
2. Next, from File Explorer, move to the default location of MDF and LDF files.
3. It is generally c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL15.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA
4. Then, locate MDF/LDF, right-click it, and choose to open its Properties.
5. In the dialog, go to the Security tab and there press Edit.
6. Further, click Add and input the name of the SQL Service Account to add.
7. Afterward, check the box to enable Full Control and finally, click OK.
8. Later, retry to attach the MDF database to the SQL Server.

Method 2: Fix SQL Server Error 5120 by Enabling Trace Flag

Sometimes, users save SQL database files in Network-attached storage, and they face this error. So, to resolve it, enable Trace Flag 1802 for network stored MDF files.

1. Start SSMS and open SQL Server Configuration Manager.
2. Then, double-click SQL Server Services and pick your SQL Server.
3. In the open Properties dialog, go to the Startup Parameters tab.
4. After that, in the specify parameter box, type -T1802 and click Add.
5. Finally, press Apply and OK to fix attach SQL database error 5120.
6. Restart the SQL Service to enable Trace. It has now permissions to directly disable the Access Control List (ACL), i.e., attach or detach databases.

Is Manual Method the Only Solution?

The manual method is free, but it falls short of the following:

• Doesn’t work if the MDF file is inaccessible, damaged, or corrupted.
• The process can be difficult for users with no or little technical knowledge.
• It is possible that the problem isn’t limited to granting permissions.

So, for such situations, we have a better and more advanced solution that helps take backup and recover data simultaneously.

Comprehensive Tool to Fix SQL Server Error 5120

Since the access denied problems can be caused by damaged and corrupted MDF/NDF files. They need an immediate fix, and so we bring you the top-notch SQL Database Recovery Tool. This tool helps to seamlessly attach MDF and LDF files in SQL Server at once. Additionally, it can repair files with any corruption level and restore them with ease. Moreover, the easy-to-use GUI of this software is flexible to all users and works smoothly on all Windows OS without hassle.

Resolve Error Code 15023 in SQL

1. Launch the automated software after the download on Windows.
2. Then, click Open and upload the MDF for repair and attachment.
3. Select a recovery mode, either Standard or Advanced, and click OK.
4. Further, check all the tables, views, records, procedures, etc. in it.
5. Select the needed ones to attach from the table format preview.
6. Afterward, press Save SQL Data and Server Database from the options.
7. Finally, input the authentication and Test the Connection. Click OK to attach the database.

And it’s done. The MDF file is repaired and attached to the database as fresh as new.

Conclusion

In this blog, we identified the error message, causes, and ultimate ways to fix SQL Server error 5120. The error is not too difficult to handle and can be resolved easily if you follow the methods correctly. In case you encounter issues with your MDF files, directly use the professional software given, and fix errors effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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