Unable to start execution of step 1

On SQL 2005, I created a simple database and log file backup job using the Maintenance Plan wizard and scheduled it, but it does not work. When I run it, it generates an error:

"Unable to start execution of step 1 (reason: line(1): Syntax error). The step failed."

I can't believe MS would have this kind of bug. Something generated by a wizard needs to work. PERIOD.

Anyway, the fix for me was this:

1. Go to SQL Server Agents\Jobs. Select job and click Properties.
2. Go down to Steps
3. Highlight your SubPlan and click Edit
4. Add a Backslash to the beginning of the path listed in the "Package" box

And, like magic, no error and job runs.

Hope that helps!

Event ID 4292 - The IPSec driver has entered Block mode.

Full event properties:
The IPSec driver has entered Block mode. IPSec will discard all inbound and outbound TCP/IP network traffic that is not permitted by boot-time IPSec Policy exemptions. User Action: To restore full unsecured TCP/IP connectivity, disable the IPSec services, and then restart the computer. For detailed troubleshooting information, review the events in the Security event log.

Possible Cause:
A corrupted file in the policy store causes this problem. An interruption that occurs when the policy is being written to the disk may cause the corruption.

Check:
When you try to open the Internet Protocol security (IPSec) Microsoft Management Console (MMC) policy on a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer, you receive the following error message:

"The IPSec Policy storage container could not be opened. The following error occurred: The system cannot find the file specified. (80070002)."

Resolution:

1. In Registry Editor, locate and then DELETE the following subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\IPSec\Policy\Local
2. Close Registry Editor.
3. Rebuild a new local policy store. To do this, Click Start, click Run, type regsvr32 polstore.dll, and then click OK.

References: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/870910