Cannot open backup device

Description of Error:

The following error appears when attempting to restore a backup in ESC:

Cannot open backup device
'C:\Users\username\Documents\databasename.dat_bak'. Operating system error 5(Access is denied.).

Cause of Error:

This error occurs when you attempt to restore a backup that is in a folder that SQL Server cannot access.

Resolution:

Create a new folder in the root of the C: drive, such as "ESC Backup". Then, set the backup directory in the ESC Backup your Data screen to that new path: "C:\ESC Backup".

If this solution does not work, the Windows user logged into the computer may not have adequate permissions for making changes to these directories and logging into Windows with an administrative account should resolve the issue.