Share via

How to fix Error :18456, Severity: 14, State: 38 - Login failed for user 'NT Server\SQLServerReportingServices'

PTL_SQL 20 Reputation points
2023-07-24T13:59:21.78+00:00

Hi,

I have a new installation of SQL Server SSRS 2019 which I configured using SSRS Configuration Manager and has all the correct permissions as far as I know.

I have two questions:

  • I have used the Virtual Service account option which comes out as NT SERVICE\SQLServerReportingServices. It however reports a Login failed for the user failing to open database ReportServer. The strange thing also is that sp_who2 shows the user has 5 successful connections to the database ReportServer. Is someone able to kindly shed some light on this for me please? How can I avoid getting the error message?
  • Can I use a group managed service account instead of the Virtual Service account? I tried it and got the same error message. Also, some articles on the internet seem to be suggesting that gms accounts are supported for the more recent SSRS versions. Is someone able to advise on this please? How can I use it without getting the same error message?

Thank you.

SQL Server
SQL Server
A family of Microsoft relational database management and analysis systems for e-commerce, line-of-business, and data warehousing solutions.
14,494 questions
SQL Server Reporting Services
SQL Server Reporting Services
A SQL Server technology that supports the creation, management, and delivery of both traditional, paper-oriented reports and interactive, web-based reports.
3,034 questions

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. AniyaTang-MSFT 12,451 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2023-07-25T02:44:38.4866667+00:00

    Hi @PTL_SQL

    1.From what I've searched, "Error: 18456, Severity: 14, State: 38. Login failed for user '<x>'." is generally caused by the failure to open the database specified in the login properties or the database '<database>' requested by the login name. For more information check out this link: https://sqlblog.org/2020/07/28/troubleshooting-error-18456.

    2.gMSA is not officially supported as a report server service account. They should only be used at your own risk.

    This is stated in the documentation on SSRS: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/reporting-services/install-windows/configure-the-report-server-service-account-ssrs-configuration-manager?view=sql-server-ver16#choosing-an-account

    Screenshot 2023-07-25 104248

    Best regards,

    Aniya

Your answer

Answers can be marked as Accepted Answers by the question author, which helps users to know the answer solved the author's problem.