How do you find the Process ID for SQL Server services? One quick query on sys.dm_server_services returns the process id, status, last startup time and account.
SQL SERVER – Scoped Firewall Rules Instead of Disabling the Firewall
A firewall rule should permit the required SQL Server or management connection narrowly. My original automation case needed remote access.
Generate a Random Password in SQL Server Using T-SQL
To generate a random password in T-SQL, draw bytes from CRYPT_GEN_RANDOM, pick characters from a safe pool and shuffle them. This post builds one procedure that guarantees upper case, lower case, a digit and a symbol, skips look-alike characters, and proves it on 1,000 passwords. It also explains why ABS(CHECKSUM(NEWID())) can fail with an overflow error.
SQL SERVER – How to Turn On / Enable Instant File Initialization?
To Enable Instant File Initialization for data files, I check the Windows service identity and volume-maintenance privilege. Eligibility still matters.







