title: Why can't I read from .BAK files on my Desktop using SQL Express in Windows Authentication Mode
body: <p>I am trying to execute this SQL query prior to restoring a .BAK file in SQL Express. Initially, I had the file on the Desktop of my user account. I am logged in as Administrator.</p>
  
  <p>When I try to access the .BAK file on the desktop like this</p>
  
  <pre><code>RESTORE FILELISTONLY FROM DISK= 'C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\file.bak'
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I get an error.</p>
  
  <pre>Msg 3201, Level 16, State 2, Line 1
  Cannot open backup device 'C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\file.bak'. Operating system error 5(Access is denied.).
  Msg 3013, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
  RESTORE FILELIST is terminating abnormally.</pre>
  
  <p>However, when I move the .BAK file to <code>C:\temp</code>, and execute this </p>
  
  <pre><code>RESTORE FILELISTONLY FROM DISK= 'C:\temp\file.bak'
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>It works just fine.</p>
  
  <p>I cant figure out what is going on. Is there a way to access files on Desktop using Windows Authentication with SQL Express?</p>