Login failed for [SQLSTATE 28000] (Error 18456) the step failed

When you query the data from another SQL server (Linked server) and SQL server & agent service is run as a domain user. You may get the error following error message in your job history.

Error:

Executed as user: Domain\XXX.Service. Login failed for user ‘ SSBF\SQL.Service ‘. [SQLSTATE 28000] (Error 18456).  The step failed.

Solution:

Step 1: Check the source SQL server agent logon service account name

All programs –> SQL server 2008 –> Configuration Tools –> SQL server configuration manager. Go to the SQL server agent  –> properties –> Check the logon tab and find the account name.

Step 2: Check the same is available in the target SQL server.

Under the security tab –>logins.  If it’s not available add the domain user with necessary permission on your target machine.

I hope this will help someone.