Setting the SQL Server Agent to start automatically for SOLIDWORKS PDM

As part of our best practices, it’s imperative to routinely check that good backups are being captured, and database maintenance is being complete.  If you find these scheduled actions aren’t completing, the first step of troubleshooting will be to manually complete an action for the SQL Server Agent from within the SQL Server Management Studio;

Manually execute a backup within the SQL Server Management Studio

If you’re greeted with an error similar to below, it’s indicating there is an issue with the SQL Server Agent;

Issue with the SQL Server Agent

The SQL Server Agent is a service that executes scheduled administrative tasks, within SQL Server, for example; backups.  This service is required to be running to complete any of the maintenance tasks within SQL Server.

How to manually start the SQL Server Agent

On the server;

• Start > Microsoft SQL Server 20xx
  • SQL Server 20xx Configuration Manager

SQL Server in Start Menu

• Select SQL Server Services > RMB SQL Server Agent > Start

SQL Server Services

Then the service should resume;

Service resumed

NOTE: If the service doesn’t start, or there are errors; please check the Windows Event Log for further details and troubleshooting steps.

Service stoppages (without error) can be caused by a number of actions like a reboot, restart of the SQL Server Service, or anything similar.  With some additional settings changes, we can ensure this SQL Agent Service will restart automatically.

How to set the Agent to restart automatically

Within the SQL Server Configuration Manager;

• Select the SQL Server Agent > RMB > Properties

SQL Server Agent > RMB > Properties

• Service Tab > Start Mode
  • Set to Automatic

Start mode set to Automatic