A reader’s SQL Server would not start and wrote no ERRORLOG. Starting it from the command prompt showed Exception Code c0000005. Here is how we found the cause.
SQL SERVER – Management Studio – Changing Status Bar Location
Color coding the SSMS status bar helps avoid mistakes, but on a big screen it is easy to miss at the bottom. Here is how to change the Status Bar Location.
SQL SERVER – Where is Rows Affected in Output?
SSMS showed the rows affected message, but SQLCMD on one instance did not. Here is the configuration option behind it and where you can change it.
Automating Backups With SQL Agent and Checking They Worked
Plan to automate SQL Server backup with Agent scheduling, checksum verification, tested failure notifications, and retention that preserves recovery.
SQL SERVER – Instance Definition Working with Oracle and SQL Server
An Oracle DBA moving to SQL Server asked me how instances differ between the two products. Here is what I told him, and when to use which approach.
SQL SERVER – Unable to start SQL Server Agent – Failed to Initialize SQL Agent log
My friend changed SQL Agent parameters and then the service would not start: failed to initialize SQL Agent log. Here is where to look and how we fixed it.
Interview Question of the Week #060 – What is the Difference Between EXCEPT Keyword and NOT IN?
Even 11 years after SQL Server 2005, few people I interview know the EXCEPT keyword. Here is how EXCEPT differs from NOT IN, with simple examples.