Why SQL Server Unable to Save Table Changes or Not Permitted?

Are you facing the SQL Server unable to save table changes error in your system? If yes, then it’s quite a common error that arises when some changes are made to a table that is not permitted for re-creation. The SQL Server is designed with strict security measures. This error is a result of security measures to prevent users from accidentally changing table data, causing corruption, data loss, etc.

This article is going to address this issue and try to solve the entire problem from its root. Therefore, in this article, we are going to understand the most common causes, troubleshooting steps, & every possible solution to fix such errors.

User Query for SQL Server Unable to Save Table Changes

Hey there SQL geeks, I’ve been trying to make some modifications in my SQL Server table. However, it is not possible to save it now I don’t know why. Please try to explain to me how can I fix this issue as it’s affecting work efficiency & quality. Any help would be appreciated as me and my team are really frustrated with this SQL Server table changes not permitted issue.
– Jacob Smith, SQL Administrator

Hi experts, I’m quite worried about this new error in my SQL database where it’s almost next to impossible to for me to save changes in a table after a records update. Why is it happening that saving table not permitted in SQL Server & is there any way available to fix this problem? Should I recreate the table? Please suggest to me the next step I should follow to get out of this situation.
– Emily Brown, SQL Database Analyst

As we showed the above two queries we received in our emails, let’s understand another user query on the internet below:

As we are now aware of the actual situation that users go through, let’s move ahead. It’s better to understand the causes of this error and then only we can proceed further.

Also Read: Fix MS SQL Server Error 2 with Ease

SQL Server Save Table Changes Not Permitted – Causes for Can’t Save Error

There are a few major reasons why users are unable to execute the table changes & then save it. Before users try to execute any solution, they must understand the cause of this error in their database. Then only they can proceed with the right modus operandi. These few major causes are mentioned below:

• Prevent Saving Changes Settings: By Default in SQL Server Management Studio, this “Prevent Saving Changes” setting is enabled. The purpose of this is to stop or prevent accidental changes.
• Not Sufficient Permissions: Not having the necessary permissions to make changes in a table is another issue users need to know. Not using the admin account is also a reason for this.
• Data Integrity Errors: If a user makes some changes to the table or its structure that violate constraints, keys, or other crucial rules. Verifying this will eliminate the risk of this error for users.
• Database Damages: Corruption or damage in the database is another major reason why this error might occur. Thus regular monitoring of the database is required to eliminate this risk.
• Database Engine Errors: Issues in the configuration, disk space or even memory create database engine errors. It’s significant for users to identify such errors by regular database maintenance checks.
• Meta Data Changes: Modifications in the data types, columns, rows, etc are tasks that need re-creation of the table. This leads to changes in the metadata structure which results in this SQL Server can’t save table changes error.

Fix Prevent Saving Changes Settings

Now we know this setting is enabled in the SQL Server Management Studio by default. Thus, the best way to fix it is by simply going through the settings. Follow the below steps to resolve the SQL Server can’t save table changes error occurring because of this issue.

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
2. Now just Navigate to Tools > Options > Designers.
3. See “Prevent saving changes that require table re-creation” option.
4. Uncheck that option to fix SQL Server cannot save table changes.
5. At last click on the OK button to complete this small and easy task. 

Permissions to Fix SQL Server Save Table Changes Not Permitted

Now, this problem is quite easy to resolve because there are no dedicated steps to follow one after another. It’s obvious that users won’t be able to save the modified table if they lack the required permissions. To fix this, users can undergo the following options:

• Always check that the account you’re logged in has needed permissions.
• Consult with the database administrator to grant required privileges.
• Log in to the server with admin credentials to not face any barriers.

Resolving Data Integrity Issues to Fix Not-Permitted Error

To get rid of the data integrity issues, users just need to observe the changes from both positive and negative perspectives & then take the necessary steps. Following the below-mentioned chronological steps, they’ll get the desired results. 

1. Observe the effect of the changes made to the tables on the data integrity.
2. Always try to keep data consistency stable with the help of constraints.

Fixing Corruption Using the Expert-Recommended Solution

Having database corruption in SQL Server is quite a risky situation for any DBA. This can create plenty of issues based on various factors. In case this“changes not permitted” error occurs due to corruption, simply repair the files asap. Thus, SysTools SQL Database Recovery Tool is what experts suggest to users.

Step-1. Launch the Advanced Software and then Add MDF & NDF files.

Step-2. Now Select the Scan Mode as Quick or Advanced to proceed.

Step-3. Select the Destination Platform and Objects to finally export.

Step-4. Hit Export button to fix SQL Server unable to save table changes.

Database Engine Enhancement Fixes SQL Server Cannot Save Table Changes

Now, in case of database engine errors, users have to focus on just three aspects as mentioned. The major reason is issues with disk space, memory, configuration, etc.

• Check Out for Error Logs: Check out for error logs in SQL Server. Also in case of corrupt log files, simply opt for SysTools SQL Log Analyzer to resolve any issues. A database without any issues in the error logs & LDF data is less prone to such errors.
• Monitor System Resources: Always check for system resources for any issues. These include disk space, memory, configurations, etc.
• Refer to Microsoft Documents: Always follow Microsoft’s documentation for troubleshooting steps & assistance.

Apart from these, users won’t get any database engine errors that can result in this table changes not permitted to save errors.

Fixing Meta Data Structure Change Issue

To fix metadata structure issues, there are a few steps users must take into consideration. Strong testing, SQL scripts, & Change tracking are a few ways to fix this problem. However, once done, it can’t be changed in most cases. Therefore these tricks can minimize the effect or prevent such events.

Change Tracking: Always enable change tracking on your SQL Server database. This helps in minimizing data loss during the process of table recreation. This also helps users monitor all the changes closely. With this feature, users always get a lot of additional insights into the database helping them make significant decisions after making changes to a table.

Utilizing SQL Scripts: Always try to run proper manual SQL commands that can avoid the need to re-create a table. And even without table re-creation, it can fix the issues in some cases. There isn’t a surety that this fixes SQL Server unable to save table changes but its worth trying.

Testing DB Environment: Always try to test the environment by implementing the changes to a testing or demo SQL environment. This can help users understand the effect of this change in advance. Thus, they can take the decision if they should want to make these changes to the real database or not.

Wrapping It Up

After deeply understanding the causes of SQL Server unable to save table changes error, users were already halfway to the solution. All the above-mentioned solutions work well. However, users must execute the solutions based on their particular cause. In the majority of cases, corruption, insufficient permissions, & false settings are the causes of such changes not permitted issue.