Backing Up to a File on a Network Share

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Backing Up to a File on a Network Share


Q


I tried to back up my databases to a file on a network share and restore the databases on the secondary server. I tried to use the net use command to create the share on the target server, as in:

NET USE * \\PS5\C /USER:ONEDEV\domain idpassword /PERSISTENT:NO

But I keep getting the message "There are no available drive letters left." However, SQL Server Enterprise Manager shows many available drives. How can I fix this problem?



A

Just back up your databases directly to the Uniform Naming Convention (UNC) path. SQL Server does not view mapped drive letters the same way a user does. You need to grant the SQL Server service account full control permissions on your share \\PS5\C, make a new share, or make the SQL Server service account a member of the administrators group on the PS5 computer.