Enabling "Agent XPs" on SQL 2005

Chances are that if you have just done a fresh install of SQL 2005 you will get an error when you try to create your first SQL 2005 maintenance plan. This error tells you that the “‘Agent XPs component is turned off as part of the security configuration for this server” and refers you to your system administrator or the SQL Books Online.

In order to enable the “Agent XPs” component. Start up SQL Management Studio and click the “New Query” button on the tool bar. Execute the following script in the query window (on the right hand side of the screen) .

sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;

GO

RECONFIGURE;

GO

sp_configure 'Agent XPs', 1;

GO

RECONFIGURE

GO

This SQL script enables the advanced configuration options then turns on the “Agent XPs” component.

You are now free to create your SQL 2005 Maintenance plans.