All of do us regular backups. Ok, all of us SHOULD do regular backups. In this article Andy comments on why having a backup plan isn't enough and why you should look at some other options for when you need to fix data errors. This really speaks to the goal of minimizing down time using low tech, readily available solutions. If you're not interested yet, we'll add this - one of the alternatives he suggests is Microsoft Access!
2002-10-28
8,434 reads
Andy relates some info he got from Wes Grant about his freeware and open source project to build a web based admin tool for SQL that is currently in the design/initial coding phase. Get the scoop and maybe write some of the code too!
2002-10-22
4,839 reads
Ever have problems following something from Books Online? There may be a reason. Microsoft has noticed as well and there are updates for this valuable DBA tool. Here's a sample of the changes and a link to get the update.
2002-10-21
4,462 reads
Check constraints can be added to a table to enforce specific rules on one or more columns. This article shows you how to use them to enforce simple and more complex rules.
2002-10-03
16,304 reads
If you've been with us for a while you know that Andy started a series last year on worst practices. As he says, maybe you can't always do best practices, but at least dont do the worst ones. Read the article and add a comment, participate!
2002-10-01
7,477 reads
Steve found a gaping hole in his backup process. One that he plugged with this script to move log files around the network in the event of a server failure. If you can't afford to lose a day of work, read about his solution.
2002-09-30
6,278 reads
Following up on a question posted in our discussion area, Andy looks at how to use DMO to add and remove linked servers. Along the way he points out a couple 'gotchas' and throws in a cool tip about how to save a little time when you experiment with DMO.
2002-09-19
12,183 reads
Do you get tired of reviewing each SQL Agent notifications nightly to determine which SQL Agent jobs failed? Is there a significant number of SQL Agent job notifications that it takes a while to review each? Here is an alternative that allows you to have a single email report of all job failures.
2002-09-17
11,741 reads
Having trouble with a target server (TSX)? Steve Jones did in his environment. Read about how he worked around the issue to restore administrative capabilities.
2002-09-16
7,248 reads
This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using the SQL Server graphical administration tools (Enterprise Manager) versus the T-SQL administrative commands, with specific examples. Read up and decide for yourself, if you want to be a point-and-click DBA or a T-SQL scripting expert!
2002-09-04
781 reads
By Steve Jones
I don’t have SQL Server installed on my laptop. In an effort to keep...
Slow-running queries can degrade your Redshift cluster’s performance and lead to increased costs. Identifying...
Using PowerBI Version1.25.9508.3237(January 2026). Installed Microsoft Power BI Desktop (Optimized for Power BI Report...
Hi all Can I get some perspective from the community please on performing in-place...
Comments posted to this topic are about the item How Long is a Long...
In SQL Server 2025, a long I/O is recorded in the error log with message 833. How long much an I/O request be outstanding before this message is written to the log?
See possible answers