Unable to Access SQL Server 2008 R2 Database via management studio

[superatticman]

Hi

 

I am unable to access a database via the management studio.

 

I have tried logging in using windows authentication and SQL authentication.

 

I believe the default SQL user name is SA and a blank password.

 

The problem we have is that this was set up by a 3rd party who we are now officially in dispute with and they simply aren't talking to us at the moment. We usually set up our SQL databases to use windows authentication but my gut feeling is that they have used sql authentication and a non standard password.

 

Is there any way we can access this or at least confirm the level of authentication used?

 

Any assistance with this would be greatly received!

 

Cheers

Edited August 6, 2013 by superatticman

[andydis]

superatticman,

 

whats the error you get when trying to load then login management studio? is it access denied? are the SQL services started>?

are you connecting to the right DB? could be a number of things.

[jinnantonnixx]

From your first post, i'm a bit unclear on the detail, but I'm assuming that you can start Management Studio using your Windows account, but cannot connect to a particular database.

 

Have you tried mapping your user to the database from Security>Logins>Properties>User Mappings?

 

Otherwise, try this:

SQL SERVER – Forgot the Password of Username SA | Journey to SQL Authority with Pinal Dave

 

Sometimes the sa account is disabled, and another (secret) account is created with sa privileges as a security measure to prevent attacks on the sa account.

Edited August 6, 2013 by jinnantonnixx

[superatticman]

Hi

 

The sql database is running fine as an application that uses it is functioning perfectly.

 

This is the process I am using to gain access. We also need to start backing this database up so I need the credentials for the backup software. This is what alerted me to the password issue as I could not gain access via arcserv

 

Standard screen you get when opening management studio

 

Sometimes, this screen appears first, which suggests that the 'sa' and blank password may be hitting a problem elsewhere

 

This is the error which I get the majority of the time when entering the above credentials and various other standard passwords which we use. Plus when attempting to log in using windows authentication.

[Rawns]

I believe the default SQL user name is SA and a blank password.

 

The password won't be blank, it would have been set when the SQL instance was installed if mixed mode authentication was enabled.

 

How are your databases being backed up? Any scripts that may contain the SA password in them?

 

I think you also need to specify a SQL instance to connect to. ie localhost\sims2008.

Edited August 6, 2013 by Rawns