The Target Principal Name Is Incorrect SQL Server (Resolved)

The "The target principal name is incorrect" error message in SQL Server typically indicates that there is a problem with the Kerberos authentication used to connect to the SQL Server instance.

Here are a few steps you can take to try and resolve this error:

1. Verify that the SQL Server service is running under the correct domain account. This account should have the correct permissions to access the Active Directory.
2. Ensure that the client machine's clock is synchronized with the domain controller's clock. This is important for Kerberos authentication.
3. Check that the SPN (Service Principal Name) is registered correctly in Active Directory for the SQL Server instance. You can use the setspn command-line tool to check and register the SPN if necessary.
4. Make sure that the client machine is able to resolve the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the SQL Server instance.
5. Check that the correct protocol and port number are being used to connect to the SQL Server instance.
6. Try disabling the "TCP/IP Net-Library" in the client configuration and enabling "Named Pipes" protocol.
7. Check the firewall settings to ensure that the necessary ports are open for the SQL Server instance.
8. You can also try to reset the Kerberos tickets by running the command “klist purge” on the client machine.

These are a few steps you can take to try and resolve this error. If the problem persists, you may need to consult the SQL Server error log or consult with a database administrator.

Related Issue:
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/32309922/the-target-principal-name-is-incorrect-cannot-generate-sspi-context

Frequently Asked Questions About The Target Principal Name Is Incorrect SQL Server

What causes the "The target principal name is incorrect" error in SQL Server?

This error typically occurs when there is a problem with the Kerberos authentication used to connect to the SQL Server instance. This can be caused by issues such as an incorrect SPN registration, incorrect permissions on the SQL Server service account, or a problem with the client machine's clock synchronization with the domain controller's clock.

How can I check if the SPN is registered correctly in Active Directory for the SQL Server instance?

You can use the setspn command-line tool to check and register the SPN if necessary. The command to check the SPN registration is "setspn -L <sql_server_instance>", and the command to register an SPN is "setspn -A MSSQLSvc/<FQDN>:<port> <domain\sql_service_account>".

What should I check if the client machine is unable to resolve the FQDN of the SQL Server instance?

You should check the DNS settings on the client machine to ensure that it is configured to use the correct DNS server and that the necessary DNS records are present. You can also try using the IP address of the SQL Server instance instead of the FQDN.

What should I do if I am still getting the "The target principal name is incorrect" error after following all the troubleshooting steps?

If you are still getting the error after following all the troubleshooting steps, you may need to consult the SQL Server error log or consult with a database administrator. It may also be necessary to capture network traces to further diagnose the issue.

What is the role of clock synchronization in resolving "The target principal name is incorrect" error?

Kerberos authentication requires that the clocks of the client machine and the domain controller be synchronized. If the clocks are too far out of sync, the Kerberos authentication process will fail, resulting in the "The target principal name is incorrect" error. To resolve this, ensure that the client machine's clock is synchronized with the domain controller's clock.

How can I disable TCP/IP Net-Library and enable Named Pipes protocol in SQL Server?

To disable TCP/IP Net-Library and enable Named Pipes protocol in SQL Server, you can do the following:

1. Open the SQL Server Configuration Manager.
2. Click on the “SQL Server Network Configuration” option.
3. Click on the “Protocols for <Instance Name>” option.
4. Right-click on the “TCP/IP” option and select “Properties”.
5. In the “TCP/IP Properties” window, set the “Enabled” value to “No”.
6. Right-click on the “Named Pipes” option and select “Properties”.
7. In the “Named Pipes Properties” window, set the “Enabled” value to “Yes”.
8. Restart the SQL Server service for the changes to take effect.
9. What should I do if the firewall settings are blocking the necessary ports for the SQL Server instance? If the firewall settings are blocking the necessary ports for the SQL Server instance, you will need to open the necessary ports on the firewall to allow connections to the SQL Server instance. The exact ports required will depend on the version and configuration of your SQL Server instance, so you should consult the SQL Server documentation or consult with a database administrator.

What does klist purge command do in resolving "The target principal name is incorrect" error?

The klist command is used to view and manage the Kerberos tickets on a machine. The klist purge command is used to remove all Kerberos tickets on a machine. This can be used as a troubleshooting step if you suspect that there is an issue with the Kerberos tickets on a client machine. It can also be used if you are unable to connect to a SQL Server instance and receive "The target principal name is incorrect" error.