SQL Server Agent is responsible for running scheduled tasks (jobs)on the SQL
Server.
SQL Server Agent also monitors other operations: replication, error
logs, and startup of other processes (like e-mail).
SQL Server Agent must be running for correct functioning of the SQL Server.
This is especially important if the computer running SQL Server is regularly
turned off or restarted.
Starting SQL Server Agent from the Windows GUI
SQL Server Agent can be started through the SQL
Server Service Manager. The Service Manager is usually started at Windows
startup and can be opened by double-clicking its icon in the tray.
Alternatively, navigate to the SQL Server program group in Start | All Programs,
and click Service Manager.

Under Server, select the desired SQL Server instance if it is not
already selected.
Under Services, select SQL Server Agent if it is not already selected.
Click the Start/Continue button.
Enable the option Auto-start service when OS starts if you wan that
SQL Server Agents is started automatically when Windows starts up (recommended).

Starting SQL Server Agent from Command Prompt
SQL Server Agent can be started with the scm utility that can be found
in the BINN folder of the SQL Server installation folder.
To start SQL Server Agent type in the following in the command prompt on the
computer running SQL:
scm -action 1 -service sqlserveragent
To stop SQL Server Agent type:
scm -action 6 -service sqlserveragent
To enable auto-start of SQL Server Agent with Windows startup type:
scm -action 7 -service sqlserveragent -svcstarttype 1
Ti disable auto-start of SQL Server Agent type:
scm -action 7 -service sqlserveragent -svcstarttype 2
Starting SQL Server Agent from Services
SQL Server Agent can be started from the Services management utility. Open it
by typing services.msc in the Run box or by navigating the Control Panel
| Administrative Tools | Services.
Find the service SQLServerAgent, right-click on it and select Start.
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SQL Server Agent auto-start cannot be enabled in Windows 95/98/ME.
You have to start SQL Server Agent manually each time Windows starts up.
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