Troubleshoot SQL agent on Linux not starting
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Troubleshoot SQL agent on Linux not starting

If the SQL Server Agent service on Linux is not starting due to hostname issues, it could be related to the maximum hostname length limitation or other hostname-related issues. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:




  • Check the hostname: Ensure that the hostname of the Linux machine meets the 15-character maximum limitation. You can use the hostnamectl command to check the current hostname.

  • Verify the /etc/hosts file: The SQL Server Agent service on Linux requires the system to have the correct hostname configured in the /etc/hosts file. Ensure that the /etc/hosts file has an entry for the hostname that resolves to the machine's IP address.

  • Restart the SQL Server Agent service: Try restarting the SQL Server Agent service by running the following command as root:

systemctl restart mssql-server-agent

  • Check the system logs: Check the system logs for any errors related to the SQL Server Agent service. You can use the journalctl command to view the system logs.

  • Check the SQL Server Agent logs: Check the SQL Server Agent logs for any errors or warnings that may be preventing the service from starting. The SQL Server Agent logs are found in the /var/opt/mssql/log directory.

  • Verify the SQL Server Agent configuration: Check the SQL Server Agent configuration by running the following command as a SQL Server administrator:

EXEC sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;
RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE;
EXEC sp_configure 'Agent XPs', 1;
RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE;

This will ensure that the SQL Server Agent is enabled and the necessary configurations are set.




If the issue persists after trying these steps, you may need to seek further assistance from Microsoft or a qualified SQL Server expert.


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