SQL Server 2008 can't login with newly created user

Question

I'm using using Windows Vista and I'm having trouble logging in with a newly created user.

1. I open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. I create a new Login by right-clicking on Security->Logins.
   Check: SQL Server Authentication
   Login name: tester
   Password: test
   Click OK
3. I added this user to User Mapping to my database of choice.
4. Click File -> Connect Object Explorer, select SQL Server Authentication and enter tester/test and click Connect.

I get an error:

Login failed for user 'tester'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 18456" 
with Severity = 14 and State = 1.

What causes this error and how do I login with my user?

Answer 1

SQL Server was not configured to allow mixed authentication.

Here are steps to fix:

1. Right-click on SQL Server instance at root of Object Explorer, click on Properties
2. Select Security from the left pane.

3. Select the SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode radio button, and click OK.

   

4. Right-click on the SQL Server instance, select Restart (alternatively, open up Services and restart the SQL Server service).

This is also incredibly helpful for IBM Connections users, my wizards were not able to connect until I fxed this setting.