How to Resolve SQL Server Error 18452

Summary: SQL Server Error 18452 shows up when you’re trying to log in using a SQL Server account, but the server only allows Windows Authentication. This happens after changes to the server or when logging in from another computer. It means the server doesn’t trust the login method that is used. In this blog, you’ll learn the reasons behind the error and how to fix it, and also use a smart SysInfo SQL Server Password Recovery Tool, which helps you to get access to SQL database files Download Now Purchase Now

Why Does SQL Server Login Error 18452 Occur?

Before fixing the error, it’s important to know the reasons behind it. Here are the main reasons:

• SQL Server is using Windows Authentication mode only.
• You’re trying to log in with a SQL Server account in place of a Windows account.
• The server did not set up the SQL login correctly or link it to the right database.
• It can be a network problem or wrong settings for remote access.
• The administrator did not set the server to allow both Windows and SQL logins.

How to Fix SQL Server Error 18452?

There are manual and professional ways to fix SQL Error 18452. You can try changing server settings, creating new logins, or switching authentication modes. If the issue is related to database corruption, using a trusted recovery tool can save your data. Let’s check out the methods:

Manual Methods to Repair SQL Error 18452

If you are facing Server Error 18452 and don’t want to use any paid tool. Manual ways can be used to fix it by adjusting authentication settings and login configurations. Let’s look at each method in detail:

Method 1: Enable Mix Mode Authentication

In most cases, this error shows up because the server only allows Windows logins. To fix it, you need to turn on both SQL and Windows Authentication. Now, follow the steps to get it done:

1. Firstly, start SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and connect using an admin account.
2. After that, right-click on your server name (top-left panel) and select Properties.
3. Further, go to the Security tab.
4. To proceed, under server authentication, choose SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode.
5. Later, select OK to save.
6. Lastly, restart the SQL Server service to apply the changes.

Method 2: Check SQL Login to fix SQL Server Error 18452

Sometimes, the error happens because the SQL login doesn’t exist or isn’t set up correctly. You need to check if the user account is there and has the right access. Steps can be defined as:

1. Firstly, start SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and connect to your server.
2. After that, in the left panel, expand Security > Logins.
3. Further, look for the username you’re trying to log in with.
4. To proceed, if it’s missing, right-click on Logins and select New Login.
5. Meanwhile, enter a login name, select SQL Server Authentication, and set a password.
6. Later, go to User Mapping and select the database you want to give access to.
7. Lastly, select OK to save the settings.

Method 3: Restart SQL Server Services

Sometimes, the changes you make won’t take effect until you restart the SQL Server service. Let’s see the steps to restart the server services:

1. Firstly, Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Afterward, scroll through the list and find SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER).
3. Further, right-click on it and select Restart.
4. Lastly, after the service restarts, try logging in to SQL Server again.

Limitations of Manual Methods

Manual methods can help in fixing Error 18452, but they also have some downsides:

• Not all users are comfortable with changing server settings or handling authentication issues.
• You have to try multiple methods, which have wasted a lot of time.
• If the database is damaged, manual methods won’t help to recover your data.
• A small error in setup can generate more issues.

Professional Approach to Fix SQL Server Error 18452

If the manual methods don’t work or if your database is corrupted or inaccessible, it’s best to use a trustworthy tool like the SQL Database Password Recovery Tool. This software helps you get the repair password and access to MDF and NDF files, and recover all your data safely. This tool is compatible with all SQL Server versions.

Now, follow the procedure to correct error code 18452 in SQL:

1. Initially, download, install, and start the Database Password Recovery Tool.
2. Afterward, add the SQL Server .mdf database file (and .ldf if needed).
3. Further, select your SQL Server version.
4. To proceed, scan the database file.
5. Meanwhile, view and select the user account to recover or reset the password.
6. Later, recover or reset the password with Change Password.
7. Finally, save changes and use the password to log in to SQL Server.

Conclusion

SQL Server Error 18452 happens when the login method doesn’t match the server’s settings. This occurs when the server allows only Windows logins, but a SQL account is used. Manual methods like changing authentication mode or setting up proper logins can fix the problem. But if your database is damaged or won’t open, using an expert tool is a better and safer option. It helps to access and restore your data quickly without losing anything important. Experts also suggest using an expert tool.

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