Distribution setup SQL Server Agent error: "RegCreateKeyEx() returned error 5, 'Access is denied.'" ...

In the Configure Distribution Wizard, the step "Configuring SQL Server Agent to start automatically" errors with the following text:

TITLE: Configure Distribution Wizard
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An error occurred configuring SQL Server Agent.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
RegCreateKeyEx() returned error 5, 'Access is denied.' (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 22002)

This is a very minor error, and not difficult to work around at all. The wizard is attempting to change the SQL Server Agent service "Start Mode" to "Automatic". You can do this via the SQL Server Configuration Manager instead.

 

In the Sysinternals Process Monitor, you may see: Operation: RegCreateKey Result: ACCESS DENIED Path: "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\SQLAgent$SQL2012"

 

If you encounter this error, select "No" in the "SQL Server Agent Start" page in the Configure Distribution Wizard (as shown below), and then set your agent service to Automatic Start Mode via the SQL Server Configuration Manager.