Wow.  Thanks, David.  We appreciate the info.

Thanks, Carl. That says it succinctly and seems to clear up our questions.  Good link.

Robert;

1) The quote I posted did address licensing, and it said what SQL Server will use: "...the SQL Server 2000 SP3 build adjusts and lets you use 8 CPUs."...

But, Robert, did you read the MSKB article?  

Robert;

I'm not sure you are entirely accurate here.  According to MSKB 322385: SQL Server support in a hyper-threaded environment, SQL Server (2000 SP3 and later or 2005) will recognize...

Sorry, I meant to say "sysadmin" not sqladmin.  If you are local Admin on the server, you should have sysadmin privileges.

DatabaseMailUserRole is used for enabling non-admin users to use Database...

Harry;

Tell the manager of the "server boys" that they should be able to get their jobs done being "Power Users", if they were any good.  Then you can remind them...

It is probably security related.

• Did you run SQL Server Surface Area Configuration tool to configure Database Mail?
• Is your account (that you logged on with) in the sqladmin role or DatabaseMailUserRole?

Hope...

Their concern was that there was sensitive data contained on that server.

Each and every time that is said to me, my comeback has been "Why do you think I...

I assume you are looking to make sure you database backups have worked. 

Have you considered querying the system tables?  Perhaps something like querying msdb..backupset and ..backupfile to get the latest datetime...

"I am presuming 4 = to no. of physical processors"

You are correct in your assumption.  See MSKB 322385: SQL Server support in a hyper-threaded environment.  It states: "Performance gains may...

John;

I wholly agree with you.   I am perfectly fine with RedGate offering their products to influential people to generate "buzz".  I am perfectly fine with you requesting discounts with your YHA...

No, requesting a "socialist handout" is someone who expects free goods or services just because they think they deserve it more than someone else.  It is based entirely on greed (not...

Not by size.  But for each new server I setup, I make it standard practice to put in a job to run sp_cycle_errorlog and sp_cycle_agent_errorlog at midnight every day.  This...