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Written By Rohan Wiese
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Updated on July 3rd, 2025
How to Fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 5120 (Access Denied)
Summary: If you are encountering SQL Server Error 5120, it typically indicates an issue with access permissions. The SQL server is unable to access a particular file or folder because it doesn’t have the necessary rights. Therefore, granting SQL Server proper access to the file or folder will resolve the issue. In this blog, we will give you some of the best techniques to resolve this issue. Below are both a manual solution and a professional SQL Recovery Tool. Choose wisely after carefully evaluating each of them. Download Now Purchase Now
Primary Reasons Behind Microsoft SQL Server Error 5120
There are multiple causes os getting this error. We mentioned the top causes of this error:
- If your MDF files are not in the correct location or are saved on a different drive from your computer.
- Moreover, if your device lacks sufficient storage, it may be impossible to open or use the MDF and LDF files.
- Additionally, a Lack of permission to perform actions like attaching or detaching a database can lead to an “SQL Server Access Denied Error 5120”.
- Furthermore, when a user attempts to access the database using an invalid account or without administrative rights, it typically results in the “Access Denied” error.
How to Fix SQL Server Error 5120? Methods
This section of the blog presents three effective methods for resolving this error. You can opt for any one of them that best fits your case because any one of these solutions is enough to fix the error in the SQL database. The methods are:
- Grant permissions to the SQL Service Account Method
- Using an Admin Account in SSMS;
- With Professional software
Method 1: Grant Full Permissions via File Properties: Manual Method
Before starting the process to fix the SQL Server Attach Database Error 5120, first, find the service account using the SQL Server Configuration Manager. Once you have identified the account, follow these steps.
- First, right-click on your database file and choose Properties.
- Then, navigate to the Security tab and press the Edit option.
- Now, click on the Add button.
- After that, enter the object name “NT Service\MSSQL$SQL.”
- Press “Check Names” to confirm. It will recognize the service account.
- To save this, hit OK.
- Now, provide Full Control permissions to this account and press OK again.
- Try attaching your MDF database now; the SQL Server Error 5120 should be resolved.
Method 2: Fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 5120 Using an Admin Account in SSMS
To resolve this error, try the following simple tip: close SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), then reopen it by right-clicking and selecting “Run as administrator.” It grants it full permissions, allowing you to perform actions without any access issues.
Moreover, using the “Run as Administrator” option grants you all the authority that an admin account has, allowing you to perform tasks without restriction.
Method 3: Resolve SQL Server Access Denied Error 5120: Professional Software
If manual techniques are unable to resolve your issue, you can use Aryson SQL Database Recovery Software. This powerful tool is designed to fix SQL Server Error 5120. Moreover, this advanced software offers numerous features, making it a reliable choice for recovering and repairing damaged SQL databases.
Some prominent features of this tool are:
- This tool helps you to recover and repair corrupt MDF and NDF files.
- It features a function to save all the table data recovered from the SQL database file in CSV format.
- Allows users to save the recovered files as SQL Server-compatible scripts, including the schema, username, and table names.
- Moreover, this tool is easily compatible with all Windows OS and has a user-friendly interface.
Follow the mentioned steps to fix the SQL Server Attach Database Error 5120:
- Download and Install SQL Database Recovery Software.
- Then, click the Browse tab to select your MDF file.
- Here, choose the Select Recovery mode to scan the MDF database file.
- After that, click OK to start scanning. Tap on the MDF file to preview the recovered database.
- Now, provide your SQL Server account credentials to verify the database connection.
- Finally, click OK and save the recovered database to the location of your choice.
Final Words
In this guide, we discuss all possible causes and practical solutions to resolve SQL Server Error 5120. It is essential to be aware of potential problems and know how to resolve them promptly. If you want an instant solution to fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 5120, then utilise the Aryson recovery software suggested. This software helps you quickly resolve most database-related errors, making the entire repair process easier and more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-
Q. Can running SSMS as Administrator help resolve Error 5120?
Ans- Yes, sometimes simply launching SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) as an Administrator can resolve the issue. Especially when attaching a database. However, this is often a temporary workaround.
Q. What if the database files are corrupted?
Ans- If the “Access Denied” error persists after checking and setting permissions, the underlying .mdf or .ldf files might be corrupted. In such cases, you would typically need to restore from a recent backup. Otherwise, Aryson SQL Recovery Tool will help you repair corrupted MDF/NDF files and attach them.
About The Author:
Rohan Wiese is a Technical Writer at Aryson Technologies. He is an expert Email Forensic, Cloud Computing, and a passionate nerd with over 10 years of experience in technical content writing. He writes about Cloud Migration, Database Recovery, Email Backup, Windows, Mac, and Tech.
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