Don't panic

Cry about...
SQL Server Troubleshooting

SQL Server Agent will not start

Symptom:

SQL Server Agent will not start.

An error may be logged to the NT event log.

Possible Causes and Remedies:

  • It may be failing to start because the logon credentials are incorrect. These can be checked and corrected under control panel, services.
  • The error log path may be incorrect. This is likely if the database has been moved since it was first created. To check and/or correct, start Enterprise Manager, right click SQL Server Agent and select properties, in the general tab the error log path is shown and can be corrected.

These notes are believed to be correct for SQL Server 7 and may apply to other versions as well.

About the author: is a dedicated software developer and webmaster. For his day job he develops websites and desktop applications as well as providing IT services. He moonlights as a technical author and consultant.