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Can't Start SQL Server Agent service

I am unable to start the SQL Server Agent service on SQL Server 2008. The error message I get when I try to start the service is "Object reference not set to an instance of an object"

Thanks for your help.

St3veMax

Look at SQLAGENT.OUT in the ERRORLOG directory where SQL is installed.

HTH

Jlucht

What were you doing when this error occurred? Where you trying to install something?

sameer2010

Hi,

Can you stop the SQL server. Restart it. Login to SQLSERVERAGENT service with admin ID. Check if it restarts. If not, please post the log/messages.

Thanks,
Sam

les28

ASKER

The database has been re-installed - the previous one choked on updating to sp1, so I uninstalled and reinstalled.

I did have a problem as per https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/22697828/SQL-Server-Agent-Won't-Start-Agent-XP-Disabled-and-Error-in-Event-Log.html

I also tried changing the security policy as per https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/22665316/Agent-XPs-disabled.html -- adding the domain admins group.

I thought that this had been resolved -- refreshing after running the script doesn't show agentXP disabled anymore. After attempting to start the server agent service however, the problem returns.

I have tried enabling the service through facets - server configuration with the same result.

SQL Agent out copied below.

Thanks everyone for responding:
2009-03-02 15:00:27 - ? [393] Waiting for SQL Server to recover databases...
2009-03-02 15:00:49 - ? [100] Microsoft SQLServerAgent version 10.0.1600.22 ((Unknown) unicode retail build) : Process ID 2872
2009-03-02 15:00:49 - ? [101] SQL Server MTI-2VM version 10.00.1600 (0 connection limit)
2009-03-02 15:00:49 - ? [102] SQL Server ODBC driver version 10.00.1600
2009-03-02 15:00:49 - ? [103] NetLib being used by driver is DBNETLIB.DLL; Local host server is
2009-03-02 15:00:49 - ? [310] 1 processor(s) and 3999 MB RAM detected
2009-03-02 15:00:49 - ? [339] Local computer is MTI-2VM running Windows NT 6.0 (6001) Service Pack 1
2009-03-02 15:00:50 - ? [432] There are 12 subsystems in the subsystems cache
2009-03-02 15:00:51 - ! [364] The Messenger service has not been started - NetSend notifications will not be sent
2009-03-02 15:00:51 - ? [129] SQLSERVERAGENT starting under Windows NT service control
2009-03-02 15:00:51 - + [260] Unable to start mail session (reason: No mail profile defined)
2009-03-02 15:00:51 - + [396] An idle CPU condition has not been defined - OnIdle job schedules will have no effect
2009-03-02 15:06:59 - ? [131] SQLSERVERAGENT service stopping due to a stop request from a user, process, or the OS...
2009-03-02 15:07:01 - ? [098] SQLServerAgent terminated (normally)

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

sameer2010

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Jlucht

Try installing the SQL 2000 tools and restart the service. It sounds weird but Microsoft says it will fix it.

https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/ViewFeedback.aspx?FeedbackID=367010

les28

ASKER

Changing the user that the service runs under worked. Thanks.

Now that I have resolved this, I find I can't create maintenance plans. (Which was one of the problems that prompted the first reinstall)

I have posted it as a separate question:
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/24988268/Can't-create-maintenance-plans.html