SQL Server Error 3201 Access Denied to Open Backup / Restore HeaderOnly

SQL Server error 3201 occurs in the SQL database for various reasons, which is why a user must implement a specific solution to eliminate the root cause. Therefore the solution here is not constant which confuses users. In a nutshell, this error denotes a problem with the backup file of the server, incorrect file paths, network issues, access and permissions issues, naming conflicts, etc. If any of these issues exist on your database, you will likely get this SQL Server error code 3201 anytime.

In this guide, we are going to understand the causes of this SQL error 3201 & the specific solutions as well as provide users with precise solutions. This way, we can minimize the chances of failures & getting more errors.

What Causes SQL Server Error Message 3201?

We can not understand this error by knowing a single problem in depth. Yes, to get a complete understanding of this error, it’s significant for the users to simply know all of its causes. Thus, we have mentioned the most common causes that users face these days below: 

• SQL Server Error 3201 Restore HEADERONLY: This error arises when the database senses a failure in reading or even accessing the backup file content. This indicates:
  • File access of permission issues like not having adequate permissions, issues in accessing the backup data file, etc.File in use by another process, user, or event can also cause this problem in the database.
  • SQL Server version being not compatible with the Backup file is another common reason that users have.

• Microsoft SQL Server error 3201 access denied: As we discussed above, there are several causes, but when the issue is just about the access and the system knows it, it reflects this error that states the access is denied which is causing this error.
  • Inadequate disk space sometimes also hampers and shows this 3201 error which troubles users & they get confused with other storage related errors.

• Error 3201 “Cannot Open Backup Device” During Restore: Total or partial corruption of the backup file simply causes this error due to BAK not getting accessible.

• • Network path issues result in users getting this critical error at the end in case of using the UNC path.

To fix all of these errors, we have some solutions that can help users to get the perfect results without any complications and further trouble. Let’s understand these errors one after another.

#1 Fix File Access and Permission Issues

Solving the file access and permission issues is not actually as tough as users think of it to be. The best way for users to have relevant permissions is by checking first & then providing the necessary permissions.

Checking File Permissions

1. Firstly, Navigate to the backup file (BAK) in Windows Explorer.
2. Right-Click on the File option here and Select Properties.
3. Hit the Edit button under the Security tab to continue.
4. Check Users’ List & accounts running SQL Server.
5. Verify if the Accounts have Required Permissions.
6. Read & Write Permissions are a must for Backup.

Granting Permissions to Fix SQL Server Error Code 3201

Step-1. Run the following command to Verify the Account running SQL Server:

EXEC xp_cmdshell ‘test_account’;

Step-2. Add the Service Account to the permissions list for the Backup file & folder.

Step-3. Check Service Properties if the Running SQL account is not confirmed this way:

1. 1. Launch SQL Server Configuration Manager to begin.
   2. Go to SQL Server Services >> SQL Instance.
   3. Right Click on it and Select Properties.
   4. The account requiring the permissions is listed in the Log On tab here.

#2 Fix SQL Server Error 3201 Restore HeaderOnly File Path

Now, users need to ensure that the file path in the RESTORE HEADERONLY command is used correctly. The following steps and commands will be perfect for this:

For Verifying File Type

RESTORE HEADERONLY FROM DISK = ‘C:\Backup\backupfilename.bak’;

In the case of the network path, we must ensure that the SQL Server Service has appropriate access.

RESTORE HEADERONLY FROM DISK = ‘\\server\sharedfolder\backupfilename.bak’;

Correcting Missing or Misstyped Paths

• Users must check the file path twice for any sort of typos.
• Make sure that the drive is connected to the SQL Server which stores the Backup file in case it is a removable drive.

#3 Fixing Damaged or Corrupted Backup Files of SQL Server

Now, in case of corruption in the backup of the SQL BAK file, users need to fix it as soon as possible. The manual command line method will take long enough to spoil all the experience and efforts of users. Still Using the below-mentioned command, users can repair the corrupted file of backup:

RESTORE VERIFYONLY FROM DISK = ‘C:\Backup\backupfilename.bak’;

Now, if users are a bit unsure of using the manual commands for this complicated repair task, they can opt for the most advanced SysTools SQL Backup Recovery Tool which can easily fix all the issues within the BAK file. It can even export the healthy file to various destination platforms after repair.

Download the tool and then follow the five simple steps:

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Steps for Repair using the Automated Tool:

1. Launch the Tool & Hit the Open button.
2. Browse and Add backup files in the tool.
3. Scan & Preview the data in the backup file.
4. Export data to SQL or a local system to save. 

#4 Fix SQL Server Error Code 3201 – File in Use by Another Process

There are basically two ways for users to fix this problem and it’s actually very simple. Let’s understand both these methods one after another.

1. Using Microsoft Process Explorer

• Download and Run MS Process Explorer in the system.
• Open Process Explorer & use theFind feature (Ctrl+F) to search files.
• Also, carefully Note the process & close if a file is locked in any process.

2. Releasing the File Lock

• Disable antivirus or other software that temporarily locks files to prevent any mishappening. This will unlock the file to get closed by the Process Explorer.

#5 Fixing Version Incompatibility for Solving SQL Error 3201

1. Check SQL Server Version First

• Firstly we need to chcek the SQL Server version by running this command:

SELECT @@VERSION;

• Now, compare this version with the version of the SQL Server account that created the BAK file. Use the following command:

RESTORE HEADERONLY FROM DISK = ‘C:\Backup\yourbackupfile.bak’;

Note: See the Version from the BackupVersion field below.

#6 Resolving Network Path Permissions and Other Issues

1. Verify the Network Path Permissions using the below steps:

• In the case of a Network Share, the SQL Server Service account must have Read Access to the network location to fix the SQL Server error 3201.
• SQL Server Service Account must also have access to the File and Shared Folder where the backup file is located. The steps to provide permissions are:
  • Right Click Shared Folder
  • Click on the Properties
  • Hit the Sharing button.
  • Click Advance Sharing.
  • Add the SQL Server Service Account with the required permissions.

2. Using the Local Backup

An easier approach for users is to shift the backfile to a local drive where the SQL Server have total access. Repeat the Restore operation here to see the wonder.

Also Read: How to Fix SQL Server Error 3241 with Ease?

#7 Fix SQL Server Error 3201 Access Denied Due to Disk Space

Having disk space issues complicates things leading to this error. Thus, users must get rid of this anyhow. We have to just follow three major steps to eliminate this problem from its root with ease.

Step-1. Check Availvle and Occupied Disk Space

• Go to This PC >> Right Click and Hit Properties to view the available disk space.
• Estimate if the drive holds enough space to store both the backup file and the restored file or not.

Step-2. Make More Disk Space

• Delete or move unnecessary data items permanently or to another location temporarily. This will create space enough for the upcoming data files. 

Step-3. Opt for An Alternative Disk

• Switch to a different drive that has adequate space using the below SQL CMD:

RESTORE DATABASE [YourDatabase]
FROM DISK = ‘D:\Backup\backupfilename.bak’
WITH MOVE ‘LogicalDataFileName’ TO ‘E:\Data\Databasename.mdf’,
MOVE ‘LogicalLogFileName’ TO ‘E:\Log\Databasename.ldf’;

The Conclusion

We have learned all the causes and all the respective solutions to fix SQL Server error 3201 without getting any more subsequent errors. By following this guide, users can easily get the desired results for sure. In case users are having issues in the primary file, then also it’s quite easy to fix. The key is to reach the root cause and then it’s all easy.