How to Keep the SQL Server Agent Windows Service Running 24/7 with Service Protector

SQL Server is Microsoft's widely popular commercial relational database. The SQL Server Agent component is responsible for running scheduled jobs and performing automated administrative tasks in the background. It is deployed as a Windows Service:

To protect the SQL Server 2012 Agent Windows Service with Service Protector:

1. Download install, and configure SQL Server 2012, if necessary.

2. Download and install Service Protector, if necessary.

3. Start Service Protector.

4. Select Protector > Add to open the Add Protector window:

   

5. On the General tab, in the Service to protect field, choose the SQL Server Agent windows service, called SQL Server Agent (MSSQLSERVER). You will notice a green circle on the left if the service is already running, as was the case on our server.

   

6. Click the Save button. In a few seconds, an entry for the Agent will appear in the Service Protector window. The service is probably already running but it is not yet being protected by Service Protector, as shown below.

   Click on the green circle to see some technical details on the SQL Server Agent service:

   

7. To start protection, choose Protector > Start "SQL Server Agent (MSSQLSERVER)" (or click on the shield-play toolbar button). In a few seconds the shield icon in the "Protection" column will go to green to indicate that the Agent is being monitored by Service Protector:

   

8. That's it! Next time your computer boots, the SQL Server Agent will start automatically and Service Protector will constantly watch the service and quickly restart it if it stops for any reason.

   We encourage you to edit the Agent in Service Protector and check out the many other settings that may be appropriate for your environment. For example, send an email when the service stops for any reason, restart the service at a safe time every day, and much more.

Trouble protecting the SQL Server Agent Windows Service?

• Consult the Service Protector FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions and troubleshooting tips.
• Contact us and we will be happy to help!