SQL Server Agent stop, start, pause, restart buttons are all disabled

Question

Hi guys,

Can anyone know why all the buttons are disabled ?

I am trying to create a Job on SQL Server 2008 R2 Express.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I do not believe the SQL Agent is included in SQL Express. With SQL 2008, MS started including the creation of the service but I believe it is disabled by default and cannot be started.

Answer 2

Jeff is correct, SQL server agent is not included in any of the express editions of SQL server. You can however still schedule tasks using a combination of sqlcmd and windows task scheduler. It’s a bit crude but does the job!