SQL server error 2571 triggers while trying to attach the MDF and LDF files. This error message indicates that the User does not have the permission to run DBCC checkprimaryfile to attach the database.

As a part of our Server Management Services, we help our Customers to fix SQL related errors regularly.

Let us today discuss the possible causes and fixes for this error.

What is SQL server error 2571?

Users often need to attach the databases either after a server upgrade or during a recovery. SQL server error 2571 triggers while trying to attach the MDF and LDF files

A typical error message looks like:

It generally happens due to insufficient permission of the user requesting the action. Let us now look into the steps to fix the issue.

How to fix SQL server error 2571?

As we discussed earlier , the error generally happens due to insufficient permission of the user to execute the task.

For instance, it happens when the SQL user login used is a part of the public role. Providing SYSADMIN rights to this account will help to solve it and bypass the error.

To Grant full control to the .MDF and .LDF files to user account, right click the files, select Properties, and modify the required fields in the Security tab.

However, it is not a good idea to give SYSADMIN rights to someone who just want to attach the database files. A better solution would be to use T-SQL to attach the database and provide dbcreator role to the login who is trying to attach the files.

CREATE DATABASE SQLAuthority
ON (FILENAME = 'F:\Data\SQLAuth.mdf'),
(FILENAME = 'F:\Log\SQLAuth_log.ldf')
FOR ATTACH;

Above command requires CREATE DATABASE, CREATE ANY DATABASE, or ALTER ANY DATABASE permission.

Apart from the above steps to change permission to attach the database, a best way is to copy the database. We could copy over the backup file and restore the database from it.

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Conclusion

In short, SQL server error 2571 triggers while trying to attach the MDF and LDF files. This error message indicates that the user does not have the permission to run DBCC checkprimaryfile to attach the database. Today, we saw how our Support Engineers fix this error.