Cannot install adventureworks 2012 database - Operating system error 5: Access is denied

Question

I am trying to install AdventureWorks 2012 database in sql server 2012. I got the mdf file from this link - http://msftdbprodsamples.codeplex.com/releases/view/93587 Here is the name of the file I downloaded - AdventureWorks2012_Database.zip I am doing all this on a windows 7 64 bit. I get the error below: ``` Attach database failed for Server 'SuperPC\SQL2012'. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo) For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&ProdVer=11.0.2100.60+((SQL11_RTM).120210-1917+)&EvtSrc=Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.ExceptionTemplates.FailedOperationExceptionText&EvtID=Attach+database+Server&LinkId=20476 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: An exception occurred while executing a Transact-SQL statement or batch. (Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo) Unable to open the physical file "C:\Databases\AdventureWorks2012_Data.mdf". Operating system error 5: "5(Access is denied.)". (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 5120) For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdN…

Accepted Answer

The reason for the problem - Putting the database mdf and ldf files in a directory outside the "official" SQL server installation folder.

Solution -

http://tryingmicrosoft.com/error-while-attaching-a-database-to-sql-server-2008-r2/

Paste your .mdf file and ldf file in this directory - C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.SS2012\MSSQL\DATA

Solutions that did NOT solve the problem -

1 - Unblocking the zipped files. Also checked that mdf and ldf files are not blocked. (Steps - right click zip file > properties > unblock)

2 - Run SSMS 2012 as administrator.

3 - Run SQL query of the form -

```
CREATE DATABASE MyAdventureWorks 
    ON (FILENAME = 'C:\MySQLServer\AdventureWorks_Data.mdf'), 
    (FILENAME = 'C:\MySQLServer\AdventureWorks_Log.ldf') 
    FOR ATTACH; 
```

Cannot install adventureworks 2012 database - Operating system error 5: Access is denied

Solution

Problem