Restore failed for Server 'server\sqlexpress'. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.Smo)

You receive an error when you restore a SQL Server database from a Database Backup file (databasename.bak).

System.Data.SqlClient.SqlError: The operating system returned the error '5(Access is denied.)' while attempting 'RestoreContainer::ValidateTargetForCreation' on 'c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\databasename.mdf'. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.Smo)

Note: databasename.mdf is the actual name of your database.

SQL Server is trying to restore the database to '...\MSSQL\databasename.mdf'.'

Change the destination folder to '...\MSSQL\Data\databasename.mdf