SQL Error 3415 in Database: Attach DB to Server with All Permissions

There are plenty of errors in SQL Server that trouble users. But the ones we must take seriously are those that are uncommon. SQL error 3415 is not very common but indeed a frustrating one. Oftentimes, users focus only on major issues like data loss, MDF file damages, SQL server log file corruption, etc. Therefore, in this article, we’re going to learn all about the SQL Server attach database error 3415 in depth. The error, reasons, scenario, and solutions.

To solve the problem, going to its root is necessary. Thus, we must understand the error & its reasons for occurrence in depth. Then only we can proceed further toward the solutions.

What is SQL Server Error 3415?

The SQL error 3415 is directly linked with attaching database files to the server. Users get to see this error when they try to attach a file to the database that is marked as read-only. As the file do not have write access, the database restricts attaching it. Putting it simply, database needs writing privileges in files for updation of database. Without that, SQL shows this error which looks like this in real:

Error 3415, Severity 16, State 2.
Database [Name of Database] cannot be upgraded because it is read-only or has read-only files. Make the database or files writeable, and rerun recovery.

Three Major Reasons Why This Error Occurs

• Not Enough Permissions: The MDF & NDF or LDF when marked as read-only attributes in the system, SQL will not be able to attach the files to the database. Restricted folder permissions, database read-only state, etc are the major causes of this problem for users. Therefore, their action plan must take care of this at the very first moment they face the error.
• Using the Wrong Account or Version: There are scenarios when users are running SSMS to attach files without an admin account & get SQL Server error 3415. Admin account rights are necessary for tasks like this in the SQL Server for maintaining the integrity of users’ data. Also, the mismatch of the SQL Server version is another problem here. Therefore, users should cross-check the compatibility of files & the server.
• Damages of the Files: We all know that corruption creates hassles. However, here corruption acts differently. Even after having enough permissions, damaged files restrict the database to read & write the changes on the files. Therefore, it creates an illusion for the database that the file is having read-only permissions.

Also Read: Similar SQL Server Error 5123 Issue

SQL Server Attach Database Error 3415 – User Scenarios

Now, we need to understand the scenario of how users face this error to know the complete procedure to get rid of it. Let’s say we have a user named Mr X. So, we are going to see what he actually did that gave him this critical error in return.

Move-1. Mr X opened SSMS & detached the SQL Server database. He Right-clicked on the database >> tasks >> Detach.

Move-2. After that, Mr X tried to attach the database to a folder with insufficient permissions.

Now, here is how Mr X ended up facing this error with just a minor mistake. 

Also, let’s assume Mr X is quite proficient in SQL Server technicalities, so he might use T-SQL queries for the same.In that case, the scenario would look like this:

Move-1. Mr X used this command:

USE [master]
GO
EXEC master.dbo.sp_detach_db @dbname = N’Database_name’
GO

Move-2. Now, Mr X will take the sp_attach_db stored procedure in use for the database attaching process which will result in SQL error 3415 eventually.

USE [master]
GO
EXEC sp_attach_db @dbname = N’db1′,
@FILENAME1 = N’C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL16.MSSQLSERVER03\MSSQL\DATA\DB1.mdf’,
@FILENAME2 = N’C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL16.MSSQLSERVER03\MSSQL\DATA\DB1_log.ldf’;

Also, Mr X might use the Create Database command for attaching DB also. However, he will only get the SQL Server error 3415 anyhow.

USE [master]
GO
CREATE DATABASE [db1] ON
( FILENAME = N’C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL16.MSSQLSERVER03\MSSQL\DATA\DB1.mdf’ ),
( FILENAME = N’C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL16.MSSQLSERVER03\MSSQL\DATA\DB1_log.ldf’ )
FOR ATTACH
GO

Now, in order to fix the issues, we have multiple ways. Let’s have a look at them.

How to Fix SQL Error 3415 in Database – The 3 Ways

We had three reasons for getting the error where users can not attach the database. similarly, we have three solutions as well. Each solution is for tackling a different reason.

All of these solutions are:

• Solution to Fix Privileges/Permission Issues
• Method for Mismatch Server & Admin Account
• Automated Tool Method for Handling Corruption

Check and Allow Privileges in SQL Server – 1st

In the first method, we can only fix the permissions issues in the Windows user account or SQL Services. The procedure might seems a bit technical but it is way easier than it looks like. Now, we need to provide permissions to both MDF & LDF files for a complete solution.

1. Right-click Database >> Select the Properties option to begin.
2. Go to the Files Page >> Now, Go to the Files Path to proceed.
3. Go to Windows Start >> Click MS SQL Server >> Click SQL Server Configuration Manager option.
4. Navigate to SQL Server Services & then Double Click on it to continue.
5. Users can change the Account Name but then they need to Restart Services.
6. Now, Open the Folder with the required data files in it.
7. Right-click Folder >> Go to Properties >> Security Tab >> Edit button.
8. Hit the Add button for the Permission window.
9. Add Service Name account if not added already. If it’s there, Assign the Permissions to the folder for different services like read, write, etc.
10. Click on the OK button to finish.

Use Admin Account to Run SSMS – 2nd

Another simple solution is to just check the SQL Server version & the file version that users are trying to connect to. In case both are compatible, proceed to the operation without facing the SQL error 3415 at all.

Also, users must note that they have to open SSMS using the admin account privileges to eliminate all the permissions hassles in one go. Evidently, users can expect a decent solution after that.

Fix Corruption Issues of the Database Files – 3rd

Now, in case the SQL Server attach database error 3415 is occurring due to corruption in the data files, SysTools SQL Recovery Tool is the sure shot solution that users can trust blindly. Several IT Experts, SQL MVPs, administrators, etc use this solution for easy fixtures.

Download the solution for free & test it. Then only purchase the full version which costs equivalent to having a family dinner at a restaurant. Yeah, this is why IT experts opt for this solution.

Encountering “This File is in Use Error” with the Above Software?

“This file is in use error | enter a new name or close the file that’s open in another program” is a critical one. Furthermore, users tend to see this error in the demo version of the solution. So, if you are facing the same, follow the below steps to get the desired solution.

The system displays an error as shown in the below image:

This file is in use error
Enter a new name or close the file that’s open in another program

The causes of this error are:

• Attached SQL Server Database: If the database is attached to the SQL Server & is in use, there is a high chance that the user might face this error.
• Running SQL Server Services: Running state of SQL Services might also hamper users in their SQL Server recovery task.
• MDF File Already Occupied: In case, the primary database file is occupied with some other application, users tend to get the error.

Troubleshoot This File is in Use Error in 4 steps. To fix the “enter a new name or close the file that’s open in another program” error, users can try four ways as detaching database, stopping SQL Service, Changing MDF location & restarting the system. Go through these steps in depth.

#1 Stop SQL Server Service

Users must stop the SQL Server services. It will help them fix the SQL MDF & NDF file issues without the interference of other SQL operations. Follow the below steps to do the same.

1. Click on the Windows icon & Search Services there.
2. Search for MS SQL Server & Right Click on it.
3. Click on the Stop button to stop the services.

After this, we have a 90% chance that the problem will be resolved. If not, users can further proceed to the next method. However, many users have observed the issue is gone with just this solution.

#2 Change MDF File Location

Once, the users have stopped the SQL Server service, they just need to change the location of the MDF file. This eliminates the root of the error & is also quite safe. The steps for the same are mentioned below:

1. Firstly, make sure that the database is detached. Putting it simply we have unlisted the MDF file from the SQL Server.
2. Now, we need to move the MDF File from its existing location. This is where we are removing the main error.
3. Finally, we have to paste the MDF file in the new location from where we will attach it to the database.
4. After attaching the MDF file to the SQL Server from the new location, we need to start the service again.
5. Users can opt for the SSMS panel to attach the MDF file or use the below-mentioned T-SQL Query:
   USE master;

GO
CREATE DATABASE YourDatabaseName ON 
(FILENAME = 'NewPath\YourDatabaseName.mdf')
FOR ATTACH;

#3 Restart the System

Now, in case users have done both the solutions and are still unable to get the results, so there is a catch. After executing both of the above solutions, do not forget to restart the entire system. This file is in use error can be eliminated this way.

After making the necessary changes including service stopping, detaching the server, etc, restarting the system will let the computer adjust to these new settings. Therefore, it will be reflected in the solutions.

#4 Detach SQL Server Database

Users should detach the SQL Server database before using the MDF file in the application. This is another reason why users get this “enter a new name or close the file that’s open in another program” error.

When we detach the database files from the server, there are no hindrances that can create further errors. Thus, this is the easiest way users can get the perfect solution with ease.

Conclusion

Finally, users know how to fix SQL error 3415 in their database server without any hassles at all. Moreover, when we learn about the back story & the ways, then only we can say that we know the entire solution. Using all the ways mentioned above, users can easily get the desired solution to eliminate this error out of the database.