Server Agent job running an SSIS package fails with the error: “The step did not generate any output. The return value was unknown. The process exit code was -1073741502. The step failed.”

Question

Server Agent job running an SSIS package fails with the error: “The step did not generate any output. The return value was unknown. The process exit code was -1073741502. The step failed.”

Answer 1

Hi synccale ,
The error "The step did not generate any output. The return value was unknown. The process exit code was -1073741502. The step failed." typically indicates an issue with the environment or configuration when running the SSIS package as a SQL Server Agent job. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

Check Permissions:

• Ensure that the SQL Server Agent service account has the necessary permissions to execute the SSIS package. This includes access to the database, file system, and any external resources the package might be using.

Environment Variables:

  - Verify that all required environment variables are set correctly. Sometimes, SSIS packages rely on specific environment settings that might not be available when running as a job.
  
  **Execution Context**:
  
     - Run the SSIS package manually using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or the command line to see if it executes successfully. This can help identify if the issue is specific to the SQL Server Agent job execution.
     
     **Logging and Debugging**:
     
        - Enable detailed logging in the SSIS package to capture more information about the failure. You can configure logging in the SSIS package properties.
        
        **Compatibility and Updates**:
        
           - Ensure that your SQL Server and SSIS versions are compatible and up-to-date. Sometimes, updates or patches can resolve such issues.
           
           **Job Step Configuration**:
           
              - Review the job step configuration in SQL Server Agent. Ensure that the correct SSIS package and parameters are specified.
              

Here is a basic example of how to enable logging in an SSIS package:

1. Open your SSIS package in SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT).
2. Go to the Control Flow tab.
3. Right-click on the package and select Logging.
4. Configure the logging options to capture detailed information.

If you’re still experiencing issues, could you provide some additional context?

• What version of SQL Server are you using?
• Have you tried running the package manually outside of the Server Agent context?
• What configuration settings do you currently have for the SSIS package?
  References

[1] SQL jobs running SSIS packages failing with process exit code - 1073741502

Answer 2

Hi synccale ,

The step did not generate any output. The return value was unknown. The process exit code was -1073741502. The step failed.

It was really a generic error message with no information with it. The issue arises only when Job is running.

Check Event Viewer

• Go to Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Application
• Look for .NET Runtime or Application Error entries that occurred at the same time as the failure.
• These often contain DLL names or more meaningful error codes.

Run Package via Command Line

Try running the package manually using dtexec to capture more details:

dtexec /F "C:\Path\To\YourPackage.dtsx" /REP V

You can also refer to this document if it helps SSIS package fails with error : The step did not generate any output. The return value was unknown | Microsoft Learn