SQL Server Error 1458, with a severity level of 17, typically appears in the context of system resource issues or conflicts during the failover cluster configuration process. The error can occur if there is a problem with SQL Server's ability to access shared resources in a Windows Failover Cluster environment. The general meaning behind this error implies that there was 'failed communication or an inability for SQL Server to interact appropriately with clustered resources (for instance, disks, network name, etc.) associated with the failover process'. Severity 17 indicates a serious hardware or software issue, requiring action to be taken either by troubleshooting system-specific configurations or escalating the issue to your systems administrator.
Common Causes:
- The cluster settings may not properly align between nodes (e.g., mismatched disk availability).
- Insufficient permissions for SQL services attempting operations on cluster-wide resources.
- Network communication issues between primary and secondary servers within the Windows clustering framework.
- Unexpected failure when invoking services like `WSFC`. A failed dependency component disrupting clustered resource synchronization.
- Changes in shared storage states such as inactive quorum drive usage statuses.