Search SQL Server error log files
The SQL Server error log is helpful for troubleshooting issues. Greg Larsen demonstrates several ways to search SQL Server error log files.
2021-02-11
database administration
DBA in training: Know your server’s limits
Comparing current performance to baselines helps DBAs know when there’s a problem. In this article, Pamela Mooney describes how to measure the physical resources drive space, latency, memory, and CPU.
2021-01-06
DBA in training: Backups, SLAs, and restore strategies
There are a handful of options when backing up SQL Server databases. A DBA must understand the differences and come up with a plan that protects the organisation’s data. In this article, Pamela Mooney explains service level agreements, recovery models, and some strategies to ensure that the data can be restored quickly.
2020-12-09
Exploring errors to reveal unauthorized information
Database administrators can never stop thinking about security. In this article, Fabiano Amorim shows how data can be revealed through error messages when views are used to secure rows.
2020-11-25
Fixing "Login failed for user" error in SQL Server
In this article, I am going to explain fixing a problem related login failure error with SQL Server. The Problem One of the common error in the SQL Server error log is "Login failed for user 'DomainName\ServerName$'. Reason: Could not find a login matching the name provided. [CLIENT: <local machine>]". Even though it says that […]
2025-12-31 (first published: 2020-11-24)
55,606 reads
Storage 101: Monitoring storage metrics
Well tuned storage is essential for SQL Server performance. In this article, Robert Sheldon explains the metrics that are important to watch.
2020-11-10
SQL Server Synonyms
SQL Server synonyms can be used to permanently alias database objects in the same or another database. In this article, Greg Larsen demonstrates how to use synonyms and the many reasons to consider using them.
2020-10-20
Understanding SQL Server Recovery Models
The database recovery model controls how a SQL Server database can be backed up and restored. In this article, Greg Larsen explains the three recovery models and what to think about when choosing a recovery model for a database.
2020-09-21
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Managing Incidents and Fighting Fires
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Backing Up a DMK
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The Quiet Part
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Question of the Day
Backing Up a DMK
In SQL Server 2025, I have a database with a Database Masker Key (DMK). I want to back up this key and keep a copy offline. When do I have to open this key before running the backup?
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