SQL Server 2008 Database Restore Error - Cannot open backup device 15105 I am trying to restore from a backup and getting the following error


  Msg 3201, Level 16, State 2, Line 1
  Cannot open backup device 'Z:\FULL_BACKUP.bak'. Operating system error 3(failed to retrieve text for this error. Reason: 15105).
  Msg 3013, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
  RESTORE DATABASE is terminating abnormally.


The code that I used in SQL Server is as follows (I also tried using the dialog screens and got the same result)

RESTORE DATABASE DEX
FROM DISK = 'Z:\FULL_BACKUP.bak'
WITH MOVE 'Decri' TO 'E:\Test\DEX.mdf',
MOVE 'Decri_log' TO 'E:\Test\DEX.LDF'


It may be worth noting that the "FULL_BACKUP" is created by the same SQL server, without any issues (so I assume that the server has permissions).

Drive Z is a network path, for which there is 'full access' to all domain users.

The full backup is 200Gb

Drive E (local) has 500Gb free space

Any help would be appreciated.
OS Error code 3 is ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND: The system cannot find the path specified. With a path starting with Z: my pshyhic powers tell me it is a mapped drive. Drive mapping is session scoped and I'm convinced your service session does not see Z:. Mapping a drive to be seen by a service is, for all practical purposes, impossible.

Use a valid path. Use UNC names like \\server\share. Consider the security implication of impersonation and delegation when accessing remote shares.