Hidden Connections
Ever have strange DTS errors after moving a package? You changed all the connection strings, but still get connection errors. Steve Jones did and tracked down one potential culprit.
Alternatives to SQL Backups
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!
Manage Multiple SQL Server Installations and Databases with OSQL
This article explains how to use a simple batch file and script file to manage multiple databases on multiple servers.
Open Source ASP Enterprise Manager in Design Phase
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!
Conflicting Instructions
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.
Designing a Flexible Task Management Database Part II
In this short article by Jamie Voss, he shows you the data model behind much of his task tracking system and the reasoning behind it.
Restoring Using DMO - Getting File List and No Recovery
Following up on a question posted in our discussion area, Andy demonstrates how to backup/restore a database using DMO, how to get the list of files to be restored, and how to do a restore with no recovery. Lots of sample code!
Reaching the Outer Limits
What's this error:Arithmetic overflow error converting IDENTITY to data type int? It was a new one to me, but read on to find out what it means.
Querying XML files using SQL 2000
One of the many useful features gained by SQL Server 2000 is the ability to handle XML documents. This means that any computer language capable of opening an XML files and calling SQL Server stored procedures can make use of this new ability. This article by David Poole shows you how!
Snapshot Replication
Now that Andy has converted Steve Jones to a DMO believer we asked him to spend some time discussing replication. In this kick off article he discussion snapshot replication at a very high level - and looking for reasons to use it. This article isn't about how to do snapshot replication, it's about whether you should.
Blogs
The Benefits of Teaching
By Brian Kelley
Even preparing for a class or seminar with set materials takes a lot of...
Power BI, Excel, OneLake – Dreams Do Come True!
By DataOnWheels
I can’t believe it’s finally here! A way to have Excel live in OneDrive...
The Book of Redgate: What Our Staff Says
By Steve Jones
This image is from 2010, and it goes along with my last post of...
Forums
Website Stability 2025/12/05
All week we've had issues with the site being up and down. There's been...
403 Forbidden
I created a post (or tried) in the 2022 Admin forum. https://www.sqlservercentral.com/?post_type=topic&p=4694880 But it's...
Question of the Day
Fabric Mirroring
In which versions can I mirror a database from an on-premises SQL Server to a Fabric data warehouse?
See possible answers