SQL Server restart validation checklist

Many times there is the need to restart the SQL Server services, this could be a reboot of the server after patching, service pack installation or due to some other reason. Sometimes we may face issues after the restart for example the SPN is not registered, a database is offline etc... For the solution you can use the below standard SQL Server validation checklist after you restart your SQL services.

Million Dollar Challenge, The Sequel

Red Gate Software is having another million dollar challenge. If you work for a small software company, or have a software product of your own, read about the challenge.

SQL Q&A: Shrinking, Growing and Redesigning Databases

SQL databases come in all shapes and sizes and schemas. This month, our SQL expert helps with condensing, growing and redesigning databases.

Vote For The PASS SQLRally Logo

Take a moment and vote on the new SQL Rally logo that will be used for the event next spring.

'Just Google It'

A short editorial explaining the pitfalls of using search engines as reference for DBA's.

Using T-SQL to Verify Tables Row Counts in Transactional Replication

This article will help you to use T-SQL to verify that the Subscribers have the same number of rows of replicated data as the Publisher in transactional replication

Migrating VLDB with Log Shipping

You just had a great weekend. You go grab your coffee and before you take a sip a manager grabs you and says, "we need your help." We need to migrate a very large database to our new data center. We need to keep the data in sync and have a short period of downtime when we cutover.

Counting Servers

Which big tech company has the most servers? It doesn't matter, but how you show the data can matter. Steve Jones talks about a skill data professionals should develop.

Creating Holidays and Special Dates

A way to save holiday records that can be created as needed into a search-able calendar table.

Database Upgrade to SQL Server 2008 Tools and Approaches

Performing an upgrade is a complex and often risky project. A successful upgrade can provide an organization with a modern platform for development and production. An unsuccessful upgrade can cause lost time and money, and it can create a bad perception for the future.

This paper documents approaches and tools that can help DBAs and developers to achieve successful and mostly painless upgrade of SQL Server databases from Microsoft® SQL Server® 2000 or SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008 (or SQL Server 2008 R2).