Login failed for the user in Windows authentication mode in Bold Reports®

When Bold Reports® connects to SQL Server in Windows authentication mode, it can throw the following login failed error:

login-failed

Why does the login failed error occur?

The Bold Reports® login failed error occurs because DOMAIN\MACHINENAME$ is not added in IIS/IIS Express to access SQL Server in Windows Authentication mode.

  • DOMAIN: refers to your Active Directory domain.
  • MACHINENAME: refers to the name of the server where IIS is running.

How do I resolve the login failed error?

To resolve the Bold Reports® login failed error, add a valid SQL Server login for the IIS machine:

  • Add DOMAIN\MACHINENAME$ as a valid login in SQL Server with the necessary permissions.
  • Map this login to the database you want to access and assign it a role that has the necessary permissions.

Note: When you’re dealing with a remote server (where IIS and SQL Server are on different machines), you need to use DOMAIN\MACHINENAME$. If IIS and SQL Server are on the same machine, you can use NT Authority\System.

How do I add NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM as a valid SQL Server login for IIS or IIS EXPRESS?

You add NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM as a login in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio. Do the following on the server:

  1. Right-click Login and select New Login to add the respective login to SQL Server.

    new-login

  2. Click the Search button, then select Advanced -> Find Now -> System in the newly opened windows.

    login-search

    login-advanced-option

    authority-system-add

  3. Click OK to add the login NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM. After it is added, you can access Windows authentication mode in Bold Reports®.

Frequently asked questions

Which login do I use when IIS and SQL Server are on the same machine?

If IIS and SQL Server are on the same machine, you can use NT Authority\System. For a remote server, use DOMAIN\MACHINENAME$.

See also