Restoring SQL backup fails - Access is denied

Question

Solved. See my answer (but first see my second edit to the question).

I'm trying to restore a backup for a database from one computer on another - thereby copying the db, but I get this message:

System.Data.SqlClient.SqlError: The operating system returned the error '5(Access is denied.)' while attempting 'RestoreContainer::ValidateTargetForCreation' on 'c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server...'. (Microsoft.SqlServer.SmoExtended)

Why is this? I can create new databases, so why not restore? Is it because it's from another computer? (I read that that's actually a usual way to copy a db so this shouldn't be the problem.)

I don't have much experience with this so don't rule out any obvious explanation.

EDIT :

I can 'restore' it using the administrator user account to the administrator's instance of SQL Server (I have two - one for the administrator, and one for the regular account.) but can't do it from either account to the regular user's instance of SQL Server.

EDIT 2 :

It seems that there are already existing files with the backup's files names (even though I changed the existing db's name). I'm working on that now (Trying, still unsuccessfully, to restore to different file names).

Solution 1

The solution was to make sure that the database was created in the MSSQL11.MSSQLSERVER folder (as opposed to the MSSQL10_50.SQLEXPRESS folder). Then SSMS succeeded in 'restoring' the database.

Solution 2

I just got this error with SQLSERVER14 .All I did is just checking the "Relocate all files to folder" checkbox in files tab of the restoration wizard.

The database got restored successfully.

Solution 3

Faced the similar problem. windows security is preventing to Restore the DB to 'Target' location. Fixing security settings can resolve this issue.

Right click on the Target folder-> Properties -> Security -> Select appropriate user and then Edit the permissions ( I have given Full Access to the user). Hope this would fix the problem.