DC Agent Set to Automatic but Fails to Start

• Microsoft Commercial Internet Server, version 1.0

SYMPTOMS

When MSSQL Server service and the DC Agent service are on the same computer, DC Agent doesn't start, even though it's set on automatic. It also does not give a "service failed to start" warning. Typically, the Application log (Event viewer) will contain the following entry:

   Initializing buffers and connections to Membership Backend SQL server
   failed.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the MSSQL Server service takes longer to load than the DC Agent service (on most computers). Since the SQL Server isn't up when the Agent service calls for it, the Agent fails to start.

WORKAROUND

Obtain a copy of the file Sc.exe from the WIN32 software development kit (SDK) and place it in your \winnt subdirectory. From a command prompt, type the following command:

  sc config sicserv depend= mssqlserver

Doing this will cause the Agent service to wait until after it has confirmed that the SQL service has started.

STATUS

It has been determined that since this configuration (Agent and SQL on the same computer) is not supported, no changes to the code are required to fix this issue. This documentation serves to provide an answer to this problem for those who still may try to run this scenario.