Setting Up SQL Server Data Folder

When setting up a SQL Server data folder, it’s important to ensure that the necessary users and permissions are applied to the folder where your SQL Server data files will reside. This ensures that SQL Server can access the folder correctly for storing and managing databases.

(It’s considered a good practice to place you data folder on a separate drive and the backups yet on another drive.)

Users and Permissions to Add

You need to add the following users and permissions to the folder:

• SYSTEM (obvious)
• Self (local or domain account - optional)
• <PC Name>\Administrators
• MSSQLSERVER (“NT Service\MSSQLSERVER”)

Replace <PC Name> with the actual name of your computer.

Accessing SQL Server Configuration Manager

Most services and their properties can be configured using SQL Server Configuration Manager. Below are the paths to the configuration manager for different versions of SQL Server when Windows is installed on the C drive.

ref: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/configure-windows/configure-windows-service-accounts-and-permissions?view=sql-server-2017

Note:

• Granting permissions should be done cautiously. Unnecessary access can pose security risks.
• If you’re unsure about any steps, consult a database administrator for guidance.