I am trying to add the **AdventureWorks database** in MS **SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 2008 R2**. As a new person to this area, or noob, this seemingly simple task has caused me much hardship and grief. Initially I have tried: Right clicking on Databases, 'attach'... which immediately gets me the **error**: Cannot show requested dialog. Additional information: Parameter name: nColIndex Actual value was -1. (Microsoft.SqlServer.GridControl) So I've looked up other ways to add this database. I realise that there are *many questions similar* to the one I will ask below. I have tried their solutions to no avail, including: 1. Running SSMS as **administrator** (right clicking on program, and 'Run as Administrator'...). I do the same process as above, and get the same error as above. 2. Running an **SQL script** (by writing the script after clicking 'New Query'), EXEC sp_attach_db @dbname = 'DBName', @filename1='F:\AdventureWorks2008_Data.mdf', @filename2='F:\AdventureWorks2008_Log.ldf' With (2), I get the error: Msg 262, Level 14, State 1, Line 1 CREATE DATABASE permission denied in database 'master'. Based on some websites (like [this][1]), the error is caused when there's a Permissions issue. But as I understand, I am an administrator. The server I log onto is the local one, so the Server name is the same as my User name (through Windows Authentication), plus "\SQLEXPRESS". **Why can't I add the AdventureWorks database?** What am i doing wrong? **How can I get it working?** [1]: http://bytes.com/topic/sql-server/answers/931423-msg-262-level-14-state-1-line-1-create-database-permission-denied-database-mas