Login failed for user ‘ME?’ – How to Fix Annoying Error

🔐 Fixing “Login Failed” in SQL Server (Enable SQL Authentication)

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If you’re getting a “Login failed for user” error, especially after creating a new SQL login, chances are SQL authentication isn’t enabled. Here’s how to fix it quickly.

✅ Steps to Enable SQL Server Authentication:

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1. Open SSMS
   Right-click your server → Properties.
2. Go to Security Settings
   Under Security, switch from Windows Authentication to SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode.
3. Apply Changes
   Hit OK—you’ll get a message saying the server needs to be restarted.
4. Restart SQL Server
   Open SQL Server Configuration Manager, find your SQL service, and restart it.
5. Reconnect Using SQL Login
   Try connecting again using your SQL login—it should now work successfully.

Why it’s useful for early engineers:

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Understanding SQL vs Windows authentication is crucial in real-world setups. You’ll often need to test different user roles, or simulate access for apps and services. Knowing how to enable and troubleshoot this saves time and builds solid foundational knowledge.