How to Fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 5123 Quickly

When users try to attach a database, which has been placed in different locations, then they may get SQL Server error 5123. This error generates when permissions are given to SQL Server. As everyone know, MDF is a primary database file and LDF is the log file associated with primary files. In spite of attaching a primary database file via SQL Server Management Studio, sometimes it becomes more difficult to open it.

Also, this error may encounter when there are different logins for attaching or detaching a database. Nevertheless, in the upcoming section, we will discuss different manual ways to let users understand how to solve SQL Server attach database error 5123 in an efficient way. Before that, let us understand the reasons why SQL error 5123 attach database occurs.

Reasons For Microsoft SQL Server Error 5123

There are so many reasons due to which 5123 error occurs. Some of them are listed below:

• This error occurs if the user detach last database with several logins and then, try to attach data file with several logins.
• Make sure that the designated disk holds the adequate amount of storage space for the data otherwise, it’ll cause SQL error 5123 for sure.
• In case there are any locks on the SQL Server database files, it might hinder the server from accessing the files as required by the users.
• In MS SQL Server this error generates when complete process is running on server, but it has no permission to run a particular program folder.
• Having insufficient permissions or false file ownership can also cause this 5123 error for users due to the restrictions. Therefore, users must take care of these facts in advance.
• If the database files, such as the .mdf or .ndf files, are moved or the file location has been changed, this might also result in the cause of error 5123 in SQL Server. 
• There is a possibility that even after having access to the SQL Server Service Account, the user might not have access to the database files.
• The firewalls or other security software might be blocking the database files from being accessed for the attach operation, further resulting in the Microsoft SQL Server error 5123.

To resolve this problem, users have to change permission or add permission as an owner of MDF and LDF files.

Also Read: How to Repair Corrupted SQL Database MDF File

Challenges During SQL Server Error 5123 Repair

• The permission to access the database files is given to certain accounts. The user might not know which service account has the required permissions, and it can take much more time to resolve the SQL error 5123. 
• The database users are required to grant the permissions to access the desired files for attaching the database to the server. In case they are not aware of how the permissions will be granted or how the file permission settings work. 
• The access denied errors sometimes get complicated to understand and further resolve. Users often relate the access denied error to the login or password-related issues, instead of considering the database file issues leading to the error 5123 SQL Server. 
• While attaching a database file that is corrupted, the access denied error can still arise. Users might also confuse these issues with the permission-related issues and might not figure out the actual cause.

These are the challenges a user might encounter while repairing the error. This is why it is crucial for the database administrators to understand and find the root cause of the error and then resolve it accordingly. We will now take a look at the methods that will allow users to resolve these errors and attach their database again efficiently.

Fix SQL Server Attach Database Error 5123 – Manual Workarounds

There are following steps to solve Microsoft SQL Server error 5123. Some of them are listed below:

• Right-click on .mdf file that you wish to attach
• After that, choose Properties to check the permissions of .mdf file
• Click Add button to grant the login permission and provide full control during the login process

Besides, you can perform this for corresponding LDF file and then, you can try to attach again.You can also attempt Run as Administrator instead of granting permission to everyone.

Using MS SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

a) Now, you log in to SSMS using valid domain credentials and Windows Authentication
b) Click the Object Explorer and select Databases to view a list of all existing databases.
c) Right-click on the Database and choose Attach option from the drop down menu
d) A new Attach Database dialog box appears on the screen and click Add button
e) Then, you can select a database that you want to attach
f) A database window will confirm MDF and LDF files. Next, click OK button to fix SQL error 5123.

Here, you can view all attached database files in Microsoft SQL instance.

Using Transaction SQL Server (T-SQL) 

Through sp_attach_db stored procedure, you can easily attach all databases in SQL Server. Let us have a look:

sp_attach_db [@dbname= ] 'dbname'
, [@filename1= ] 'filename_n' [,...16 ]

[@dbname= ] Is the name of database that users need to attach with the server.

Moreover,

[@filename1= ] ‘filname_n’ Is the physical name, which includes location of a database file.

Automated Solution to Solve SQL Server Error 5123

If the above-stated methods does not work properly and not able to solve SQL Server attach database error 5123, then you can go for a reliable and approach. One such application is SQL Recovery Tool, which helps to rectify damaged .mdf and .ndf SQL server database file. The best part about this tool is that any novice user can operate it because of its brilliant and self-explanatory interface.

Download Tool Purchase Now

Some of the most interesting features of the tool those are mentioned below:

• Allows to fix all tables, functions, stored procedure, views, rules, etc.
• Recover deleted records from SQL table without losing a single bit of data
• Export selective items from MDF (Primary) or NDF (Secondary) data file
• Auto-fetch SQL Server Name while switching to SQL Server Database
• Ability to restore SQL Server database from MDF file in an efficient way
• Application supports both ASCII as well as Unicode XML data type

Summing Up

Every SQL DBA faces challenges while doing their work. Among all, SQL Server Error 5123 Access Denied is one of the most common errors. Thus, to resolve this error, in this blog, we have discussed all manual ways in an absolute and efficient way. However, the automated solution can also fix the similar SQL error 3415 with ease

Apart from that, we have covered the possible reason behind the occurrence of SQL Server attach database error. Also, we have introduced an alternate solution, which helps to fix corrupt SQL server database without any risk or data loss.

FAQs

Q-1. What is error code 5123 in SQL Server?

Ans: When a user tries to run a query that returns more than one value despite the fact that it’s not allowed at that place, such an error occurs. This error is different from the  SQL error 5123.

Q-2. How to remove error in SQL Server?

Ans: This varies on the factor that which error users are experiencing. To remove error in SQL Server, users must understand the root cause first. Then using the SSMS or automated solution, users can fix the error.

Q-3. How do I fix SQL Server error 5123?

Ans: Download the advanced utilty for SQL mentioned above & follow the simple steps:

• Add MDF File
• Select Scan Mode
• Enter Destination
• Hit the Export Button

Q-4. How do I fix SQL connection error?

Ans: There are following steps to fix SQL connection error, simply follow these steps.

• Verify SQL Server Instance is in Running State
• Verify Running of SQL Server Browser Service
• Verify SQL Server Name in Connection String
• Verify the Client Machine’s Aliases as Well
• Verify the Configuration of the Firewall
• Enabled Protocol Verification in Server
• Test Local & Remote Connection
• Execute the TCP/IP Connectivity