Error: 'The SQL database returned an error. For some reason, you cannot access the SQL database. Che (NETIQKB1833)

fact
Exchange Migrator 2.x

fact
Exchange Migrator 1.x

symptom
Error: 'The SQL database returned an error. For some reason, you cannot access the SQL database. Check for the following problems...'

symptom
The following is the complete error that you will see when trying to run Exchange Migrator:

The SQL database returned an error. For some reason, you cannot access the SQL database. Check for the following problems: 1) The SQL database is stopped or not installed. 2) You have supplied an invalid SQL logon account name or password. 3) User logon account doe not have SQL Administrator permissions. 4) User logon account is not an Administrator on the local computer. 5) The SQL database has some other problem preventing access. Correct the credentials or database problem and start Exchange Migrator again.

cause

This error can be caused by:

• Using the 'Windows Only' mode of authentication on the SQL server instead of the 'Mixed Mode' (SQL Server and Windows) Authentication.
  
• During the install of Exchange Migrator, with MSDE, you specified credentials rather than accepting the defaults.  This is a problem because the Microsoft MSDE install package, included with Exchange Migrator, does not allow you to create a SQL account during the install process.  The credentials are merely for authentication to an existing database, which in the case of the initial MSDE install does not exist yet.
  
• The database password has been changed.  For example, if you have been migrating fine for awhile, and this error pops up, the most likely cause is that someone has change the password of the database password.

fix

To correct this issue,  perform ONEof the following:

• Use Mixed Mode (SQL Server and Windows) Authentication on the SQL Server.
  
• Set this on the 'Security' tab of the SQL Server Properties.
  
• Use Mixed Mode (SQL Server and Windows) Authentication on the MSDE installation.
  
• If you are unsure what Authentication mode your MSDE install is in, then please reference the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:
  
• 325022 : INFO: MSDE Security and Authentication.
  
• If you have not begun your migrations, please uninstall/reinstall Exchange Migrator based on the following NetIQ Knowledge Base article:
  
• NETIQKB10227 : How do I completely uninstall and reinstall Exchange Migrator?
  
• If the database password has been changed, first verify that you have the correct password with the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:
  
• 322336 : HOW TO: Verify and Change the MSDE System Administrator Password.
  
• Run DBmanager.exe from the C:\program files\NetIQ\Exchange Migrator directory (default).  Follow the wizards to change the password that Exchange Migrator will use to connect to the database.
• DBManager.exe is only available after installing Exchange Migrator 2.2 Service Pack 1 (www.netiq.com/support/em/sp.asp)
  
• If you are using 'runas', ensure that the account that you are using to run Exchange Migrator has correct access permissions to the SQL Server and its databases.   The best practice for a SQL server account that you create, is to mirror the default SA account's database role membership.

note

You may have to uninstall/reinstall Exchange Migrator after you switch authentication methods.

note

The following is a Microsoft Knowledge Base article that may helpful when troubleshooting MSDE:

• 322336 : HOW TO: Verify and Change the MSDE System Administrator Password

Formerly known as NETIQKB1833