I have a server whose SQL Server Agent can't start because it is "Unable to
start mail session (reason: No mail profile defined)."

When i go to sqlAgent properties, i see that the "Mail Profile" box is
greyed out.
However, I am certain that both the SQL SErver and SqlServerAgent are set to
use the same domain account.

I have SQL2000 sp3a installed on a Win2000 server sp4.

To muddy the waters...the problem occured when the old dba left (disabled
his account)...and the old Sqlagent was using his personal email account.
When the server was restarted after he left the sqlagent would not start.

I have since installed Outlook 2003 client. SQL Mail works.
SQLAgentMail can't seem to find the profile.
I have subsequently created a second profile (and restarted
sqlserver)...also without the SQLagent being able to 'find' either of the
profiles.

Thanks for any ideas.

--
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing! (Jn 6:63)

Are you logging on using the service account when you make
the changes? You would also want to check the following
articles:
NF: How to Configure SQL Mail
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=263556
INF: Common SQL Mail Problems
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=315886

-Sue

On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 14:50:02 -0700, Blue Sky
<BlueSky@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I have a server whose SQL Server Agent can't start because it is "Unable to
>start mail session (reason: No mail profile defined)."
>
>When i go to sqlAgent properties, i see that the "Mail Profile" box is
>greyed out.
>However, I am certain that both the SQL SErver and SqlServerAgent are set to
>use the same domain account.
>
>I have SQL2000 sp3a installed on a Win2000 server sp4.
>
>To muddy the waters...the problem occured when the old dba left (disabled
>his account)...and the old Sqlagent was using his personal email account.
>When the server was restarted after he left the sqlagent would not start.
>
>I have since installed Outlook 2003 client. SQL Mail works.
>SQLAgentMail can't seem to find the profile.
>I have subsequently created a second profile (and restarted
>sqlserver)...also without the SQLagent being able to 'find' either of the
>profiles.
>
>Thanks for any ideas.

Thanks! All is well. Close reading of one of the two links you directed me
to pointed out that:

"If you reconfigure the default mail profile, you must restart the computer
for the changes to take effect. " (Not just the SQLServer).

This minor note had escaped me in earlier readings.
Thanks again.
--
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing! (Jn 6:63)


"Sue Hoegemeier" wrote:

> Are you logging on using the service account when you make
> the changes? You would also want to check the following
> articles:
> NF: How to Configure SQL Mail
> http://support.microsoft.com/?id=263556
> INF: Common SQL Mail Problems
> http://support.microsoft.com/?id=315886
>
> -Sue
>
> On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 14:50:02 -0700, Blue Sky
> <BlueSky@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> >I have a server whose SQL Server Agent can't start because it is "Unable to
> >start mail session (reason: No mail profile defined)."
> >
> >When i go to sqlAgent properties, i see that the "Mail Profile" box is
> >greyed out.
> >However, I am certain that both the SQL SErver and SqlServerAgent are set to
> >use the same domain account.
> >
> >I have SQL2000 sp3a installed on a Win2000 server sp4.
> >
> >To muddy the waters...the problem occured when the old dba left (disabled
> >his account)...and the old Sqlagent was using his personal email account.
> >When the server was restarted after he left the sqlagent would not start.
> >
> >I have since installed Outlook 2003 client. SQL Mail works.
> >SQLAgentMail can't seem to find the profile.
> >I have subsequently created a second profile (and restarted
> >sqlserver)...also without the SQLagent being able to 'find' either of the
> >profiles.
> >
> >Thanks for any ideas.
>
>