You should be fine, but don't install any non-instance aware items, such as client tools or SSIS. They might overwrite what's there.

The application log won't help you with services. You need to check the system log.

I've typically done the work myself, but there was a case where we were stuck. In a large shop, we had a Microsoft TAM and contacted him. He arranged for...

Mine have typically been good. In small companies, I've usually worked closely with them, and had us backing up each other. In larger companies, often the DBA has been a...

the name of servers or databases? Are you centralizing backups from multiple servers?

VBScript/Powershell might be the easiest way. you can write a script to delete files older than some date.

Here's...

In query analyzer, file | open, choose the file.

If you have multiple files to run, you can script this using isql/osql in a batch file. Enter each one as a...

Did you check the event logs for errors?

There is a task in the maintenance plans that will do this (maintenance cleanup).

Or try another reboot. I've seen things get stuck in prior versions, no real reason. A reboot fixed it.

If you do want to reboot, I might run sqldiag and capture...

Jack has a good list, I also used to log the sp_configure options.

I'd set up a database for this stuff, make it a standard name (I used dba_admin) and then...

I was going to write what Gail did. I like the idea of persisting these in a table variable and then writing them out. I'd still use TRY CATCH, but...

Do you have a backup before 10/18?

Even on tape?

nice question, I missed the clustered part.

The engine definitely should inform someone if this doesn't work.

Glad you like it.

I think you might be right, and we will be looking at ways that we can easily move people from one side to the other, maybe...

I think we'd like pictures from both you and...