How to: Set the SQL Server Connection (SQL Server Management Studio)

This topic describes how to set the connection between SQL Server Agent and the Database Engine.

In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine and then expand that instance.
Right-click SQL Server Agent, and then click Properties.
In the SQL Server Agent Properties dialog box, click Connection and under SQL Server connection, do of the following:
- SelectUse Windows Authentication to enable SQL Server Agent to connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine with Microsoft Windows Authentication. Connections to SQL Server 2005 and later databases require Windows Authentication.
- Select Use SQL Server Authenticationto connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine using SQL Server Authentication. Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and later versions of the database do not support SQL Server Authentication for SQL Server Agent connections. SQL Server Authentication for Agent connections is available for Microsoft SQL Server 2000 only. This option may be necessary if the instance of SQL Server is installed on a computer that is not a member of a Windows domain.
  
  Security Note
  
  When possible, use Windows Authentication.
  
  If you selected Use SQL Server Authentication, select a login ID from the Login list. The Login list is automatically populated with the login names and groups that belong to the sysadmin fixed server role. In the Password box, enter the password for the SQL Server login.

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