Connect to SQL Server
In this article we look at the different ways to connect to various SQL Server services using tools like SSMS, BCP, SQLCMD, PowerShell and more.
2021-02-12
ssms
Simple way to find errors in SQL Server error log
In this tip we look at how to parse the SQL Server error log to only extract the errors and corresponding error messages.
2021-02-01
How to Check SQL Server Version When Service is Not Running
In this article we look at several ways to find the version of SQL Server that is installed when the SQL Server service is not running.
2021-01-12
SQL Server Management Studio Database Diagram Support Objects Cannot be Installed
In this article we look at how to resolve the error database diagram support objects cannot be installed because the database does not have a valid owner.
2021-01-01
Creating a SQL Code Snippet in SQL Prompt and SSMS
Phil Factor's "getting started" guide for turning all your trusted and most frequently used queries into SQL code snippets.
2020-11-12
Block user objects from being created in a master database
Introduction The Master database. Just in case that you are not familiar with this database, the Master database is used in SQL Server to store all the system information, instance-level settings, logon information, database file locations, etc. SQL Server can't run without access to a fully functional master database. It's highly recommended not to use […]
2020-11-10
4,074 reads
Adding Custom Stored Procedure Templates to SQL Server Management Studio and Visual Studio 2019
In this article we look at how to build a custom stored procedure template that can be used in either SSMS or Visual Studio for all new development.
2020-10-29
Top 5 SSMS Time Saving Tips
In this article we look at how you can use SSMS to filter objects, debug, drag and drop object names, add custom reports and use of operators for emails.
2020-10-15
How to Get Started with SQL Server Management Studio
Learn How to Get Started with SQL Server Management Studio with Brent Ozar.
2020-08-14
SQL Server Management Studio Connection to Integration Services Error Class Not Registered
In this article we look at some reasons why you cannot connect to SSIS using SQL Server Management Studio and how to solve the problem.
2020-08-04
Blogs
Methodology for dealing with bad data in production
By Brian Kelley
Pinal Dave wrote up his methodology for what to do when you discover bad...
How to Provision an Azure SQL Database
Aside from spinning up a SQL Server instance container, the free Azure SQL Database...
Claude finds two cryptographic weaknesses (but the sky isn’t falling)
By Brian Kelley
If you haven't seen the announcement, Anthropic was able to utilize Claude (Mythos Preview)...
Forums
Symmetric Key Encryption
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Symmetric Key Encryption
The “Successful Login” Dilemma: Why Your Login Auditing Strategy Might Be Hurting Your Server
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The “Successful Login” Dilemma: Why...
Building Your Own Software
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Building Your Own Software
Question of the Day
Symmetric Key Encryption
If I run this statement in SQL Server 2025, how is the password encrypted?
CREATE SYMMETRIC KEY MySymmetricKey WITH ALGORITHM = AES_256, KEY_SOURCE = 'My secret key source passphrase', IDENTITY_VALUE = 'My secret identity value' ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = 'S&perS#cretP@ssword7'; GOSee possible answers