Unable to export a dump of MSSQL database in Plesk: BACKUP DATABASE permission denied (Error code 21)

Symptoms

Unable to export a dump of MSSQL database at Domains > example.com > Databases > example_db > Export Dump . The following error appears:

PLESK_ERROR: Unable to export a dump of example_db: 
Unable to backup database 'example_db' 
BACKUP DATABASE permission denied in database 'example_db'. 
BACKUP DATABASE is terminating abnormally. 
(Error code 21)

Cause

Insufficient permissions for the default database user.

Resolution

Correct permissions for the database user:

1. Check which users have read and write access to the database in Domains > example.com > Databases > User Management (including users for `Any database`).

2. Log in to SQL Server Management Studio as a privileged user (e.g. sa, Administrator) and check permissions/roles for database users from the previous step: expand ServerName\MSSQLSERVERXXXX > Databases > example_db > Security > Users > right click on user to open its properties > Membership > check the missing Roles > OK .

   A default set of permissions is:

   • db_backupoperator
   • db_datareader
   • db_datawriter
   • db_dlladmin

Alternately, create a new database user for the affected database and set it as default:

1. Go to Domains > example.com > Databases > User Management > Add Database User .
2. Fill out the fields, set Database example_db and check the box Use this user's credentials by default for accessing myLittleAdmin .
3. Click OK to apply the changes.