FIX: xp_sendmail Unable to Login to SQL Server Version 4.21a

• Microsoft SQL Server, version 4.21a

SYMPTOMS

When you use the xp_sendmail extended stored procedure to send a mail message containing the results of a query, you receive Message 17969:

   Unable to login to SQL Server

• SQL Server is running mixed mode security.
• The client running xp_sendmail has logged in using a trusted connection with 'sa' privilege.
• The 'sa' login id has a non-null password.

CAUSE

In order to run a query, the xp_sendmail procedure must log back in to SQL Server. This 'loopback login' can fail under the conditions listed in the "Symptoms" section above.

WORKAROUND

You can use any of the following options to avoid this problem:

• Log in to SQL Server using a trusted connection with user (non-sa) privilege when you run xp_sendmail.
• Log in using a non-trusted connection by supplying 'sa' as the login id, along with the appropriate password.
• Set up SQL Server to use integrated rather than mixed mode security.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft SQL Server version 4.21a. This problem was corrected in SQL Server version 6.0. For more information, contact your primary support provider.