sqlcmd Login failed for user

Mindea 20

I just set up SQL Server Express a Windows PC and added a couple SQL user logins, a database, a linked database, and a stored procedure. I can login via SSMS (on the same computer) with the SQL user creds, connect to the linked database, and run the local stored procedure. No problem.

Now I want to connect via sqlcmd command, but it fails on the login. Again, doing this on the same PC.

sqlcmd -S TH-DBREP01\sqlexpress -U xxxxx -P 'xxxxxxx'

Sqlcmd: Error: Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server : Login failed for user 'Guy_RW'

Viorel 118.2K Reputation points

2024-07-29T15:05:00.6566667+00:00

Maybe you should try -P xxxxxxx or -P "xxxxxxx".
MikeyQiaoMSFT-0444 3,190 Reputation points

2024-07-31T03:07:31.89+00:00

Hi，Mindea

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Mindea 20 Reputation points

2024-07-31T18:09:01.55+00:00

I've tried variations of ' and " around the password, with no luck.
Mindea 20 Reputation points

2024-07-31T18:27:12.3866667+00:00

I downloaded the PortableApps "DBBrowser" and can connect with no problem using those credentials. SQLCMD still won't let me in.

Accepted answer

Zahid Butt 956 Reputation points

2024-07-29T16:30:26.16+00:00

Hi,

You may connect with below commands:

Using windows authentication:

sqlcmd -S servername/instancename -E

or SQL server authentication:

sqlcmd -S servername/instancename -U Username -P Password

Further you may take help from :https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/tools/sqlcmd/sqlcmd-utility?view=sql-server-2017&tabs=go%2Cwindows&pivots=cs1-bash
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Mindea 20 Reputation points

2024-07-31T18:10:57.23+00:00

sqlcmd -S servername/instancename -E makes a connection but the -U and -P still fails.

Zahid Butt 956 Reputation points

2024-07-31T18:42:15.0833333+00:00

There should be no single or double quotes in command below:

sqlcmd -S servername/instancename -U Username -P Password

Mindea 20 Reputation points

2024-07-31T21:46:38.9266667+00:00

Apparently it was a combination of factors plus being given some wrong information. Once I had the syntax correct and removed the single quotes from the password, the command connected and executed the desired stored procedure.

sqlcmd -S THF-DBREP01\sqlexpress -d MyDB -U xxxxx -P xxxxxxx -Q "exec MyDB.dbo.spCopyData"

A big thank you to @Erland Sommarskog and @Zahid Butt for guidance.
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Erland Sommarskog 112.7K Reputation points MVP

2024-07-29T22:07:19.2233333+00:00

Look in the SQL Server errorlog, which you find in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL16.SQLEXPRESS\MSSQL\LOG\ERRORLOG. There should be a message that details why the login failed. If it says that the password is wrong, Look at Viorel's post. The problem may be the single quotes.

Also, make sure that you change the password, having you have exposed it here!
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Mindea 20 Reputation points

2024-07-31T18:14:55.84+00:00

Thanks, Erland. In the log I see this:

Login failed for user 'Guy_RW'. Reason: Password did not match that for the login provided. [CLIENT: <local machine>]

I'm checking into this further. Will report back.

Mindea 20 Reputation points

2024-07-31T18:24:56.7+00:00

I downloaded the PortableApps "DB Browser" app and I can easily connect to the server and database with those credentials. SQLCMD still won't let me in.

Erland Sommarskog 112.7K Reputation points MVP

2024-07-31T21:13:21.2733333+00:00

There could be some character that is intercepted by the command line. Try using only -U without -P. You will now be prompted for the password.
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sqlcmd Login failed for user

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