MS SQL users sometimes run into “SQL Error 262” while creating a new database, logging into SQL Server Management Studio, etc.

Here at Bobcares, we routinely see & resolve MS SQL errors such as this as part of our MS SQL Support services.

Today we will go through the top causes for this error and how to fix it.

What is SQL Server Error 262

SQL Server Error 262 is permission-related. It occurs when a login attempts an action without the required server or database permissions. The exact error message depends on the operation being performed, such as creating a database or viewing an execution plan. In most cases, granting the appropriate permission or server role resolves the issue.

Common scenarios where SQL Server Error 262 occurs

The solution depends on the operation that triggers the error. First, identify where the error occurs, then apply the appropriate fix below.

Fixes for MS SQL Error 262

Some of the possible fixes for MS SQL error 262 are:

• Grant Database Access to a single user.
• Resolve issue in SQL Express.
• Add Windows user to sysadmin role.

Now let’s see how to implement these fixes.

Grant Database Access to a single user

One of the scenarios where this SQL 262 error appears is when the user tries to check the execution plan using CTRL + M.

An execution plan is used to check how the query will behave without having to execute it.

So, to include the execution plan in the query, we can allow SHOWPLAN access to the user.

Allowing a particular user to grant the SHOWPLAN access using the commands shown helps in fixing SQL error 262.

USE DatabaseName

GO

GRANT SHOWPLAN TO UserName

GO

This helps fix the error.

Grant the SHOWPLAN permission only to users who need to view estimated or actual execution plans. This follows SQL Server’s principle of granting only the permissions required for a task.

Check SQL Server Express permissions

If the error appears while connecting to a local SQL Server Express instance from another application, verify that the login has the required permissions on the SQL Server instance. If needed, use an administrator account to grant the appropriate server role or permissions before trying the connection again.

Add Windows user to sysadmin role.

One of the reasons this 262 error appears is not having an account available on SQL Server with the sysadmin role.

Add a Windows user to the sysadmin role

If the login requires administrative access, an existing SQL Server administrator can assign the sysadmin fixed server role.

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio using an account with administrative privileges.
2. Connect to the SQL Server instance.
3. Expand Security, then Logins.
4. Right-click the required login and select Properties.
5. Open Server Roles.
6. Select sysadmin and click OK.

Grant the sysadmin role only when full administrative access is required. For routine tasks, assigning only the necessary permissions is the recommended approach.

Quick checks before applying a fix

• Confirm that you’re connected to the correct SQL Server instance.
• Verify that you’re using the intended SQL Server login.
• Check whether the login has the required server or database permissions.
• Use an administrator account if permission changes are needed.

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Conclusion

In short, MS SQL error 262 may occur in different scenarios like creating a new database in SQL Server Management Studio, connecting to a local SQL Server Express Instance from a third-party application, etc. Today, we discussed in detail the possible ways by which we can handle such scenarios to fix this error.