PowerShell is a powerful scripting tool that allows you to automate routine tasks, and script administrative tasks, allowing you to automate a lot of the routine work in a SQL envirionment. Ben Miller's Stairway Series introduces PowerShell from the beginning, guiding you through how to configure and get started with the framework before working towards more advanced scripting.  Read more...

Windows Cluster\SQL Availability Group rebuild times comparison - Management Studio & Cluster Manager Vs PowerShell Commands   Read more...

Check if databases are really in FULL recovery model with a recovery model called pseudo-simple, where the database still behaves like it is still in SIMPLE recovery model until a full database backup is taken.   Read more...

Continuing our discussion on how to leverage the capabilities of PowerShell to automate the most basic SSIS management tasks, this article will explore more complex topics by demonstrating the use of PowerShell in implementing and utilizing project environments.  Read more...

This post tells you how to change the QUOTED_IDENTIFIER and ANSI_NULLS settings of a database objects using Powershell.  Read more...

Or, I guess it might be more appropriate to say that Powershell does Azure. Regardless, there are a set of...  Read more...

There are plenty of occasions when it makes a lot of sense to do backup and restore scripts in PowerShell. Microsoft have put effort into making it much easier, as Allen White demonstrates.  Read more...

Powershell is a great tool for helping you work with multiple instances of SQL Server. This week Steve Jones talks about how and why you might want to get started.  Read more...

We came across a scenario where database bak files being created from long time which are no more in use...  Read more...

Learn how to write a script for regular database backups using Powershell and SMO.  Read more...

PowerShell script to SlipStream SQL Server 2008 installer with SPx patch.  Read more...

This tip will demonstrate how to monitor SQL Failover Cluster Instances if they become unbalanced using Windows PowerShell.  Read more...

Query Active Directory Computer objects to verify existence  Read more...

Pre-Create Active Directory Virtual Computer objects to support a new SQL Cluster   Read more...

We all know that we should document our SQL Servers, right? RIGHT? So let's say you had some time on...  Read more...

Restores the latest backup of a database to a destination server of your choice, and creates a new backup if needed.  Read more...

Reading/scanning SQL Server Logs is a required DBA work item in all my work environments. I know there are lots...  Read more...

SQL Server SMO is a great resource for DBAs, unfortunately, before PowerShell, it is a pretty deep learning curve to...  Read more...

You should be on your way with PowerShell with the previous levels and now the topic shifts to using Functions and Assemblies built in to .NET for use with automation. This topic will be used in your PowerShell adventures throughout your career and this Stairway.  Read more...

This script is an improvement from my original script entitled "Powershell - Query SQL Servers Operating system details".   Read more...