How to attach a database?

[deletedT]

I'm trying to attach a database in SQL Server Management, but I'm receiving this error.

I right clicked Databases and select Attach from menu. As soon as I select the mdf file I receive this error.
Any kind of help is much appreciated.

Edit: The sentence in Japanese means : Access is denied.

 

[AccessBlaster]

Hi Tera,

I suspect you do not have creation rights. You might have an existing DB that you can edit, but you might not be able to create a NEW one. Hope this makes sense.

 

[deletedT]

Hi Tera,

I suspect you do not have creation rights. You might have an existing DB that you can edit, but you might not be able to create a NEW one. Hope this makes sense.

I have full rights over the server. Just tried and was able to add new databases.

Thanks

 

[AccessBlaster]

Just thinking out loud.

 

[deletedT]

Thanks for thinking loud.
Since the database is not attached , it's not listed in Databases. Should I create a new Database and import from backup?

Thanks

 

[AccessBlaster]

Sorry I am not an expert and hopefully someone will chimes in. But I have gone this route back in the day.

 

[deletedT]

Thanks. Will try to see what happens.
Meanwhile I posted a question in General forum. I appreciate if you take a look there too.

thanks again.

 

[Minty]

When you say attach I'm not sure I understand what you are trying do.
is the MDF file in use? You might need to take it offline.
Can you take a back up and restore it to your server?

 

[deletedT]

I take a backup every 6 hours.

This is the long story.
I had to add several major and critical changes to a database in sql server. This changes needed several design changes in main tables.
I tried to use ...Copy Database .... to make a copy of the database and work on the copy first as a test.
While Sql Server Management was trying to copy the database, I received an error message telling Management studio failed to copy the database.
Well...with this error, the database was gone.
Since the mdf file stills exists, I was trying to attach it again.

Hope it makes sense

 

[isladogs]

I'm answering on my tablet so don't have SQL Server available to give details at the moment
Normally you would restore from a .BAK file not the .MDF and from memory you have to do 'restore with replace'.

 

[Minty]

I know hindsight is always simple after the event, but you should probably have simply restored the backup to a new database name as a development copy, tested on that and then scripted your changes.
From your description, I'm not sure the MDF file will be in a suitable state to attach as it wasn't probably detached in the first place.

 

[deletedT]

I'm answering on my tablet so don't have SQL Server available to give details at the moment
Normally you would restore from a .BAK file not the .MDF and from memory you have to do 'restore with replace'.

I wasn't going to restore. I intended to attach a .mdf file to a sql server.
Thanks.

 

[deletedT]

I know hindsight is always simple after the event, but you should probably have simply restored the backup to a new database name as a development copy, tested on that and then scripted your changes.
From your description, I'm not sure the MDF file will be in a suitable state to attach as it wasn't probably detached in the first place.

Well, I ended up to do the same.

Thanks

 

[isladogs]

Well, I ended up to do the same.

Thanks

Sounds like you did what I suggested after all.

 

[SQL_Hell]

Bit late to the party here, but that attach DB error looks to be folder level permissions or invalid path.