awu,

I suggest you DO the following:

1. Stop both SQL Server Service and SQL Server Agent service;

2. Start SQL Server Agent service. Then verify to see if SQL Server service starts automatically;

3. Again, stop both SQL Server Service and SQL Server Agent service. Now start SQL Server Service. Check SQL Agent service and see if it is started.

After you've done the above, assuming you are running Win2K or above and go to Computer Management. Then go to Services. Make sure SQL Agent service's startup type is Automatic. For WinNT, go to Control Panel, then Services.

Yes, you are able to stop and restart SQL Agent without affecting SQL Server service. I don't have time to test that scenario, but I would agree that the existing trace would still be active, if it is not timed out or stopped manually.