Loading a Series of Flat Files
Andy Jones recently faced a requirement to load several flat files on a nightly basis. In this article, Andy Jones shows you how he accomplished this and shows plenty of code!
SQL Server Product Support Life Cycle
Microsoft has formally clarified the support life cycles for it's products. See where your products fall in and be sure to plan for upgrades.
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.
Blogs
Microsoft announces new cybersecurity AI multi-model
By Brian Kelley
Yesterday, July 27, 2026, Microsoft announced a new cybersecurity effort called Project Perception. Included...
Getting the SQL Server MCP Server Running
By Steve Jones
If you’ve wanted a SQL Server MCP server for your databases, it’s available. The...
Introducing azsql-migration-test: Test and Validate Azure SQL Database Migrations
Introducing azsql-migration-test, a small open-source CLI that validates your Azure SQL Database migrations against...
Forums
Make It Routine
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DBCC CHECKDB Limits III
Comments posted to this topic are about the item DBCC CHECKDB Limits III
CROSS APPLY Fundamentals: Part 1
Comments posted to this topic are about the item CROSS APPLY Fundamentals: Part 1
Question of the Day
DBCC CHECKDB Limits III
On SQL Server 2025, does DBCC CHECKDB support Memory-Optimized tables?
See possible answers