How to Fix Password Validation Failed SQL Server Issue Effectively?

For database administrators, it is frustrating to encounter issues that restrict them from getting into their respective SQL Server accounts. A similar error that is often encountered by them is the password validation failed SQL Server. It might seem like a normal incorrect password type of problem, but in reality, various other reasons lead to this error. So, through this guide, we will discuss more about the error and further the best solutions that will help the users resolve such issues while logging into the database. 

• What is Password Validation Failed in SQL erver
• Causes Of Password Validation Failed Error
• Top Troubleshooting Methods To Fix the Password Validation Issue
  • Verify Account Credentials
  • Reset SQL Server Password
  • Unlock the Locked Account
  • Change SQL Server Authentication Mode
  • Repair Database Corruption to Fix the Issue
• Safety Measures to Prevent the Error
• Conclusion

 

SQL Server Password Validation Failed Error Explained

Working on a SQL Server database can be challenging when errors related to user login or database accessibility occur. However, things get more complex and frustrating when the database administrators encounter password-related issues in the database. One of the common symptoms of this error is the occurrence of SQL Server Error 18456: login failed for user. The password validation failed error typically occurs while trying to connect using SQL Server Authentication, and users often assume it is due to a mistyped password. But this error occurs due to various reasons. We will now examine these causes to better understand the error and resolve it in a hassle-free manner. 

Why Does Password Validation Failed SQL Server Occur?

Here are some of the common causes for the password validation error in SQL Server. 

• Due to an incorrect password entered during login. 
• In case of SQL account lockout.
• Because of an expired password in SQL Server database. 
• The SQL Authentication mode might be disabled. 
• The specified login might be disabled in the SQL Server.
• Due to corruption in the master database of SQL Server.

These are some of the common reasons that lead to the SQL Server password validation failed error. As we can see here, there are different causes to this issue, requiring different ways to fix them and further log into the database. Now, to resolve these causes effectively, we will take a look at different approaches one by one. 

Troubleshooting Ways to Fix the Password Error Quickly – Top Methods

After understanding the password validation failed SQL Server error and the causes, it is now time for us to try the ways that will help the users resolve this error and seamlessly log into the database. Let’s proceed with the first method and see how it can help the users resolve this issue. 

Method 1: Check the Login Credentials to Fix the Issue

One of the common causes for this error to occur is the mistyped or incorrect login credentials to the database. This issue can be resolved simply by checking and entering the correct credentials to log into the database. Use the correct user name and password. And keep in mind that the passwords in SQL Server are case-sensitive. Hence, it is crucial to remember that ‘P’ and ‘p’ are treated differently by the server. 

Method 2: Reset SQL Server Database Password

Due to a forgotten or lost password in the SQL database, the password validation failed SQL Server might occur, making it complex for users to log into the database. Furthermore, they are required to reset the database password, or they might get locked out from accessing their respective accounts. In such situations, where the password is lost or unknown, a solution as SysTools Password Recovery Software comes in handy.

This solution is designed specially for recovering lost passwords and further allows users to reset their desired passwords. Now, to learn how the tool works, we will move to the steps of using this solution.

1. Install the software and add the MDF file of the SQL Server database.
2. The tool will then display the list of users and passwords on the screen. UNKNOWN password means that there is a password on the selected login, whereas NOT SET specifies that there are no passwords.
3. Select the desired user to reset the password and click on the Reset Password button.
4. Before moving to the next step, the tool will ask you to take a backup of the MDF and LDF files of the SQL Server.
5. Next, add the new password and click on reset password of the SQL Server login.
6. Login using the new password in the SQL Server database.

Method 3: Resolve the Password Validation Failed SQL Server Issue By Unlocking the Account

Another common cause of failed password validation issue is the account lockout in SQL Server database. Hence, to fix the issue caused due to this error, we will now unlock the account. This can be done using the given T-SQL command:

ALTER LOGIN [username] WITH PASSWORD = ‘NewPassword’ UNLOCK;

This command will allow the users to set a new password and further unlock the locked account in the SQL Server database. 

Method 4: Change SQL Server Authentication Mode to Log Into SQL Server

The SQL Server password validation failed error also occurs when the user tries to log in using the SQL Server Authentication mode. Hence, this issue can be resolved by changing the authentication mode in SQL Server. By configuring the authentication settings to mixed mode authentication SQL Server, users can resolve the issue more efficiently. Here are the steps that will help the users with this:

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio, and connect it to SQL Server instance.
2. Then, locate and go to SQL Server properties and then to Security. 
3. Choose SQL Server Authentication and Windows Authentication mode. 
4. Restart the SQL Server and try logging again using the desired mode.

Method 5: Repair Password Validation Failed SQL Server Due to Database Corruption

In some rare situations, the error can also occur due to a corruption in the SQL Database. Therefore, to fix the issue occurring due to the corruption, we will now take a look at the appropriate solution to repair the corrupted database. To fix the database corruption, users can try using the DBCC CHECKDB command. This command helps users detect and repair the corruption in the database. However, the repair mode offered by the DBCC command are required to be used as the last resort as they can end up in complete data loss. 

With the help of the suggested methods and solutions, it is now efficient for the users to resolve the error and log into the databases more easily and seamlessly. Let’s now take a look at the best practices that can help users prevent such issues from occurring in the database.

Safety Measures to Protect SQL Server Database from Password-Related Errors

1. It is crucial to document and save the credentials and passwords to the user logins.
2. Regularly review and check the authentication settings in the SQL Server database.
3. Track the dates of SQL Server password expiration, and prepare accordingly. 
4. Change the authentication to multi-factor authentication for crucial situations. 

Conclusion

Through the help of this write-up, we have understood the causes for password validation failed SQL Server and how this issue results in challenges for the users. Additionally, we understood the causes one by one to find the best solutions to resolve the error in a more efficient way.