I have been involved in countless database migrations. Most of the time I have access to the existing source servers and future destination servers. In cases where you have access to both environments, it is very easy to evaluate and clean up any issues with the source databases. In situations where you are only provided […]
Category: Backups/Recovery
Why You Should Test Your SQL Server Backups
My number one reason that you should test your backups is to make sure you know how to restore/recover. The absolute worst time to learn how to restore is when a restore is needed. By regularly testing your backups, you build up muscle memory in how to recover. By regularly validating your restore solution, you’ll […]
Common Issues with SQL Server Backups
I absolutely love talking about SQL Server backup and restores. It is one of my favorite sessions to give at user groups and conferences all over the world. I’ve also written a couple of books on the topic. Over the many years of working with Microsoft SQL Server, I tend to see the same mistakes […]
SQL Server Partitioning for Performance
Often enough I get questions regarding partitioning to try to help alleviate performance issues with very large tables. A common misconception is that due to the table being large, when queries are run against it and SQL Server has to read the entire table, if you partition the table, SQL Server will read less data. […]
How to Reset the SA Password When Locked Out
Getting locked out of a SQL Server instance can happen due to a number of situations. The most common scenario I’ve encountered is when a SQL Server is moved from one domain to another without the domain being trusted or having a local SQL admin account. I recently encountered another incident where a DBA was […]
SQL Server Backups
I’ve written many blog post and articles over the years about SQL Server backups and restore options. I am constantly amazed at how often I find databases that are not being properly backed up and are critical to the organizations that utilize them. Fortunately, as organizations move to cloud solutions, things are getting slightly better. […]
Online Training Courses
Today Paul sent out the quarterly numbers to the team letting us know the hours our courses have been viewed during March. Being a data guy, I decided that after nearly 5 years of having courses available, I should crunch some numbers. I currently have 4 courses available. SQL Server: Consolidation Tactics and Best Practices […]
Updated Default Settings for Azure SQL Managed Instance Databases
A common saying about Azure is that it is always changing. This is a very accurate statement, want proof, just take a look at Microsoft Build 2020. Microsoft is always improving the environment by adding new features, tweaking interfaces, tweaking features, and much more. I’ve been working with Managed Instance since private preview and just […]