Grant Fritchey

Grant Fritchey is a SQL Server MVP with over 20 years’ experience in IT including time spent in support and development. Grant has worked with SQL Server since version 6.0 back in 1995. He has developed in VB, VB.Net, C# and Java. Grant has authored books for Apress and Simple-Talk, and joined Red Gate as a Product Advocate in January 2011. Find Grant on Twitter @GFritchey or on his blog as the Scary DBA.

SQLServerCentral Editorial

On Being an "Expert"

I had the opportunity last week to present a session at DataSaturdays Stockholm. I can't say enough nice things about the event and the organizers. I presented on Query Store in SQL Server. In my mind, it's an entry-level to middle tier presentation. Most of the room was already working with Query Store, some quite […]

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2024-06-01

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SQLServerCentral Editorial

Take Care

The world seems to be proceeding through some stuff at the moment. IT and our industry as a whole, equally seems to be going through some stuff. As such, allow this oldster to offer some advice: Take care of yourself. I know, I'm the same, you may have responsibilities for others. You need to take […]

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2024-05-04

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SQLServerCentral Editorial

To Each Their Own

I recently came back from a trip to Las Vegas. I was privileged to be able to take part in the very first Fabric Community Conference. It was a great event, well attended. BUT... It was in Las Vegas. I am not a fan. First of all, Vegas is just far too noisy for me. […]

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2024-04-06

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SQLServerCentral Editorial

Oops! Apologies

So, I messed up. In my calendar on Friday were the words, "Database Weekly." That's because I was supposed to put this editorial together and put out the Database Weekly. But I messed up. I was traveling on Friday. Not an excuse, but it's why I messed up. I'm sorry. However, what I did this […]

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2024-03-11

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SQLServerCentral Editorial

The Birth of Computing Was the Birth of Testing

Last year I had the most wonderful opportunity. I took part in Data Relay, an event in the UK which tours several cities. Wonderful time, but not the focus here. The very first one was held at the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park. Without a doubt, you've heard of Alan Turing, Enigma, and […]

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2024-02-10

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SQLServerCentral Editorial

Play To Your Strengths

I really enjoy playing with radios [ed: we know, you won't shut up about it]. Something as simple as checking in to a local net (basically saying hi to a bunch of people on the radio) is fun. However, there's so much more to it. In the last few weeks I've been testing a new […]

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2024-01-13

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Fixing the Error

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Comments posted to this topic are about the item Fixing the Error

T-SQL in SQL Server 2025: Encoding Functions

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Question of the Day

Fixing the Error

On SQL Server 2025, I have a database that has this collation: SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS. I decide I want to run this code:

SELECT UNISTR('*3041*308A*304C*3068 and good night', '*') AS 'A Classic';
I get this error:Msg 9844, Level 16, State 4, Line 24 The char/varchar input type uses an unsupported collation. Only a UTF8 collation is supported with char/varchar input type in UNISTR function.What is the easiest way to fix this error?

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