How to Repair SQL Server Error 18456, Severity: 14, State 1 Precisely?

Have you encountered SQL Server error 18456, severity: 14, state 1? Errors in the SQL Server databases can be a nightmare for users, especially when they encounter errors that restrict access to the database. In such situations, the users tend to panic and get concerned about the security of their data within the database. 

Through this write-up, we aim to thoroughly understand the error and determine how it can be resolved with precision. 

SQL Server Error 18456, Severity: 14, State 1: Understanding the Issue

When the login failed for user in the SQL Server database error occurs, it specifies that the attempt trying to connect to the SQL Server database has been rejected due to an authentication failure in the database. With the display message of the error, it becomes much easier for the users to understand the cause of the error, as the error message includes the state of the error, which signifies more precise information regarding this error. We will now take a look at the error states and find the most optimal solutions to resolve the error. 

States of SQL Server Error 18456 and Its Causes

Here are the states of the error and the causes of why the error occurred in the first place. 

• State 1 – The information about this state is unavailable and is rarely seen.
• State 2 – The username entered does not exist on the server.
• State 5 – Incorrect username or user doesn’t exist.
• State 6 – Using Windows Login for a SQL Server authentication mode.
• State 7 – Either the password is incorrect or the login is disabled.
• State 8 – Incorrect password for a valid username.
• State 9 – Invalid or mismatched password.
• State 11 – Valid login but access denied by SQL Server.
• State 12 – Valid login but access denied by SQL database.
• State 18 – SQL Password has expired.
• State 23 – Restricted due to login policy. 

These are a few states and their causes that might lead to the SQL Server Error 18456, Severity: 14, State 1. Now, as we are aware of the causes, it’s time to take a look at the challenges the users might encounter when this error occurs. But how can we know what state of the error has occurred? The given command will allow users to effectively get the idea of the error state in SQL Server.

EXEC xp_readerrorlog 0, 1, N’18456′;

How Are Users Affected by SQL Server Error Login Failed For User?

When the error occurs, it majorly restricts the database administrator’s access to the SQL Server database and further prevents them from carrying out any operations within the database. However, this is not the only issue the users encounter; there are many more. We will now understand these challenges for a better understanding of the error and find the best ways to resolve them. 

• SQL Server access disrupted for the users. 
• Difficult to find the root cause without state codes.
• SQL Server account lockouts due to SQL Server Error 18456, Severity: 14, State 1.
• Misconfiguration of SQL Server Authentication Modes.
• Password expiration or forgotten SQL Server credentials. 

With these challenges, it becomes difficult for users to access or operate the SQL Server database. Hence, to resolve all these issues and find the best solutions that will allow the users to access the database effectively. 

How to Fix SQL Server Error 18456 Login Failed for User Issue?

So far, we know that the error can occur due to various reasons and requires solutions accordingly. So, we will now take a look at the troubleshooting methods that will allow the users to fix the error efficiently and further access the database in a hassle-free way. Before proceeding with any method to recover the password or resolve the error, it is crucial for the users to take backup of MDF and LDF files in SQL Server. In case anything goes wrong during the password recovery process, the user will still be able to recover the data this way. Now, beginning with the first method, we will now take a look at how it will help the databae aadministrators to resolve the error. 

Method 1: Check SQL Server Error Logs to Inspect the Issue

To repair the error, the users must know why the error occurred in the first place. This can be done by checking the SQL Server Error log, as it stores and provides the complete information regarding the SQL Server Error 18456, Severity: 14, State 1. By checking the error logs, users can effectively understand the root cause and further take appropriate actions to resolve the error. 

Method 2: Login Credentials Verification in SQL Server

One of the causes for this error is incorrect or invalid login credentials while accessing the database. Hence, it is important to verify and double-check the login credentials before making an attempt to log in to the database. In case the password is still considered invalid or doesn’t work, try resetting the password using the following T-SQL command:

ALTER LOGIN [USER] WITH PASSWORD = ‘SetNewPassword’;

(Here, in place of USER, add the desired Username, and in place of SetNewPassword, add the password you wish to set.)

Recover Lost or Forgotten SQL Passwords Safely With Advanced Solution

There are various cases and situations where users might end up losing their database credentials and face challenges like the SQL Server error 18456, severity: 14, state 1, while trying to access the database. In such cases, the users get concerned about the safety of their data and find it difficult to retrieve their passwords. These are the situations where users can rely on a trusted solution like the SysTools SQL Password Recovery Software .

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This tool is designed specially with advanced features to recover lost passwords precisely. The utility offers numerous features that allow users to reset their passwords and access the database after they have encountered password-related errors.

Here are the steps that will allow the users to resolve the error and recover the SQL Password efficiently:

1. Install and run the suggested solution.
   
   
2. Browse the master database file in the database using the Browse tab.
   
   
3. The preview of the logins and users is displayed on the screen. Select the login whose password is required to be reset, and add the new password.
   
   
4. Click on the RESET button to resolve the SQL error login failed for user.
   
   

Method 3: Verify Authentication Mode in SQL Server

This is another troubleshooting method that will help users overcome the issues created due to the error. The error might occur as SQL Server error 18456, severity: 14, state 1, due to the incorrect authentication mode in the SQL Server database. We can check the SQL Server authentication mode by following the given steps:

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the SQL Server instance. 
2. Next, right-click on the desired instance and further go to Properties. 
3. From the properties, select the Security Option and locate the authentication settings on the server. 
4. Check whether the settings are set to Windows Authentication mode only. Change the authentication settings to mixed authentication, i.e., SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode. 
5. Log in again using the desired authentication mode to resolve the error. 

These steps will allow you to effectively resolve the error and further access the database in a hassle-free way. 

Method 4: Fix the Issue by Checking and Granting Necessary Permissions

If the user login doesn’t have the required permissions to access the database, it might lead to SQL Server error 18456, severity: 14, state 1. To check the permissions within the database, the following steps will help:

1. Open SSMS and connect to the SQL Server instance. 
2. From the security tab, go to the login options. 
3. Check which login has a red cross in front of it. The red cross means a disabled account.
4. Next, right-click on the login option, go to the properties, and then go to the Status tab to check the status of the desired login. 
5. Ensure that the login is enabled for the specified login. Also, grant all the required permissions to the login to access the database. 

These steps will help you overcome the error caused due to insufficient permissions in the database. After granting the necessary permissions in the database, the server will let the users log into the database easily. 

With these methods and steps, it becomes quite efficient for the users to resolve the error and further get into their SQL Servers for performing crucial tasks.  

Conclusion

With the help of this write-up, we have discussed the SQL Server error 18456, severity: 14, state 1 that restricts the users from accessing the databases. When the error occurs, it becomes difficult for the users to understand the error as well as the root cause of the same. Hence, we have explained the error along with its causes and further suggested the solutions that will help the users to resolve the error effectively.