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Alex Gordon
Asked: 2010-07-15 08:29:54 +0800 CST

sql server: cannot open backup device

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i am doing a backup:

BACKUP DATABASE timeclockplus TO DISK = 'c:\bak.backup'

and i am getting this error msg:

Msg 3201, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
Cannot open backup device 'c:\bak.backup'. Operating system error 3(The system cannot find the path specified.).
Msg 3013, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
BACKUP DATABASE is terminating abnormally.

anyone know what is going on here?

sql-server sql

3 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    The SQL Server account presumably hasn't got write permissions to the root of C: Try the Backup folder for your instance (example path C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Backup)

    If you use management studio to do the backup but click the "script" button instead of the OK button the default path should be one that works.

    • 4

  2. If it is a permissions issue, use Windows explorer (right click on your target C: drive, Properties, Security tab) to confirm that the account that the account underwhich the backup is running is allowed to modify/write.

    • 2

  3. Generally you don't want to backup to the root of a hard drive, which is why the SQL Server doesn't have rights to the root by default.

    Just backup to another folder.

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