can't see network drive to backup db (i can see it on explorer)

[geo2500]

Hi all,
My problem is that when I choose a File name to backup the database using the add button it only shows the local hard drives.
I have a networked drive E that I can see on windows explorer and read-write to it. But this drive doesn't show on the database.
If i write it manually E:\backup it says unable to verify the location, continue? and if i click yes and backup it says "cannot open device e:\backup\ device error or device off line.
E drive is on XP and server on win2k server.
Any hints on what should I do?

Thanks,
George

 

[SQLBill]

What login/password are you using for SQL Server? If it's not the same as you use for the XP, then you will need to give SQL Server access to the XP.

BTW-if you are using SQL Server JOBS, then the login that SQLSERVER Agent service uses needs to have permission to access the file.

-SQLBill

 

[geo2500]

Hi Bill,
The sql server is running under the administrator account. I tried logging on both machines as administrator and still have the same problem. I can't see the shared folders/drives.
The folder/drive is shared by everyone.

"If it's not the same as you use for the XP, then you will need to give SQL Server access to the XP."
How do I do that?

thanks,
George

 

[SQLBill]

Is it the LOCAL administrator account? If so you won't be able to access other drives/folders on the network no matter how it's shared.

-SQLBill

 

[SQLBill]

OOOPS, I forgot to add....if it is the LOCAL admin account, just change the account to a network admin account and it should work.

-SQLBill

 

[geo2500]

Bill,
The machines are on the same workgroup.
The server was running on the system account(I thought I had configured it for the local administrator).
However, I changed the account to the local administrator account and now I can see my network drives.

So the problem was the system account not the administrator account, but without your help I would never find it. So thanks for that.

But you didn't answer my question.
"If it's not the same as you use for the XP, then you will need to give SQL Server access to the XP."
What do you mean by that? Adding the account that the sql-server runs on the xp? Remember I have a workgroup, not a domain.


Thanks again,
George

 

[SQLBill]

Sorry. Let's say you log onto XP using MyLogin and MyPassword. But when you access SQL Server it asks you to login and you enter OtherLogin and OtherPassword, then you won't be able to access the XP files from SQL Server because you are using two different logins and passwords. You would have to give the OtherLogin access to XP.

But that's only the case if you are doing the backups manually.

-SQLBill

 

[geo2500]

thnx Bill