MSSQL_ENG018456
Applies to: 
SQL Server
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Message Details
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | SQL Server |
| Event ID | 18456 |
| Event Source | MSSQLSERVER |
| Component | SQL Server Database Engine |
| Symbolic Name | |
| Message Text | Login failed for user '%.*ls'.%.*ls |
Explanation
Error MSSQL_ENG018456 is raised whenever a login attempt fails. If the error message includes the account distributor_admin (Login failed for user 'distributor_admin'.), the issue is with an account used by replication. Replication creates a remote server, repl_distributor, which allows communication between the Distributor and Publisher. The login distributor_admin is associated with this remote server and must have a valid password.
User Action
Ensure that you have specified a password for this account. For more information, see Secure the Distributor.