You can always build a set of left outer joins between the two tables. That'll give you which exact column was modified.

Something like:

select t1.Col1

from dbo.Table1 t1

left outer join dbo.Table2...

If you don't need the data to actually mean anything, you can generate unlimited random data by doing something like:

;with Numbers (Number) as

(select row_number() over (order by t1.name)

...

In 2005, take a look at Row_Number in Books Online. It's very simple and easy to use.

For 2000, take a look at Jeff Moden's Running Totals article on this...

I know how to do it from within installation wizard, but haven't looked into a command line for it. But since it can be done from the installation wizard,...

If the database is in Simple Recovery, no, you don't have anything of any interest in the transaction log. It only holds onto transactions till they commit, then junks...

I don't see any aggregate functions in this query. If I'm missing one, I'd try removing each piece of the Group By till you find the one that's the...

I also would try switching to the built-in notifications function and see if that handles it better.

As far as a job going on to a step that doesn't apply, I...

The first thing to do is define what you want it to do.

If the hierarchy is relatively static (doesn't change often), you might want to look up "nested sets" online. It does hierarchies MUCH faster than CTEs or other methods. ...

Am I mistaken, or did you answer your own question?

You can use a Numbers table for this. Or a recursive CTE. I use a calendar table for it. It's generally faster, and it gives me more...

There can be differences in performance and results between the two ways of writing the query. In a more complex query, having the join data in the From clause...

That won't work. "In" doesn't work that way with variables.

There are a couple...

Is it possible that the send-credentials are being messed up by the whole From part? I've used sp_send_dbmail for tons of things, including pretty high traffic stuff, and never...

Nah. It's just that time of the hour for him. 🙂

He does have a good point. I've worked with people who could build...