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sql-serverauthenticationssmssql-server-2008r2-express

Cannot connect to SQL Server Express with SSMS and SQL Server Authentication


I've been using SQL Server Express with Windows authentication for many years with no problems. However, for a different application I need to use server authentication. I'm running SQL Server 2008 R2 Express.

Here is what I've done so far in SSMS:

  • Enabled "SQL Server and Windows authentication mode" in the "Security" section of Server Properties

  • Created a new server Login with 'public' and 'sysadmin' server roles

  • Created a new database user with the above login and assigned it db_accessadmin, db_datareader and db_datawriter.

When I try to connect to the server using SSMS and SQL Server authentication I get the "Login failed..." with 18456 error.

I'm definitely providing a correct password.

Is there anything else that needs to be done for the server authentication to work?

Thanks.


Solution

  • It is required to restart SQL Server after enabling the SQL Server authentication mode.