A quick way to see which version of SQL Server 2000 or 2005 is running: SERVERPROPERTY returns the product version, the product level and the edition.
SQL SERVER – QUOTED_IDENTIFIER ON/OFF and ANSI_NULL ON/OFF Explanation
What do SET QUOTED_IDENTIFIER and SET ANSI_NULLS do around every stored procedure you create? A plain explanation of both settings, ON and OFF.
SQL SERVER – Delete Duplicate Records – Rows
A short query to delete duplicate records from a table with an identity column: keep the MAX(ID) in each group of duplicate columns and remove the rest.
WINDOW: Reuse an Explicit Running-Total Frame
WINDOW lets me name a window definition and reuse it across compatible calculations. I still specify the partition, ordering and frame. A short name should make the intended calculation easier to review.
SQL SERVER – What is New in SQL Server Agent for Microsoft SQL Server 2005
A TechNet article I liked on what’s new in SQL Server Agent for SQL Server 2005: security, proxy accounts, shared schedules, WMI alerts and Database Mail.
Restore Database Backup Using T-SQL, Step by Step
To restore database backup files safely, read the backup first, then restore under a name and paths you choose. This post builds a small demo database, backs it up, and restores it with MOVE and REPLACE. It also explains the errors that stop most restores.
How to Ask a SQL Server Question That Gets Answered
A SQL Server question that gets answered includes the exact build, full error text, a small repro, and the fixes already tried.