What is the catch with SPARSE columns? After a question at SQLBangalore UG, here are the errors and limitations of working with SPARSE columns.
SQL SERVER – Restore Error: Specified cast is not valid (SqlManagerUI)
Restoring a SQL Server 2008 R2 backup failed with Specified cast is not valid (SqlManagerUI). Here is what we found after a few emails and screenshots.
SQL SERVER – Error Msg 511 using SQL Server Sparse columns
A reader got Msg 511 when adding a sparse column. Sparse columns reduce the maximum row size from 8060 to 8018 bytes. Here is what that means for you.
SQL SERVER – Using 20 Logical Processors Based on SQL Server Licensing
A friend saw SQL Server use only 20 of 64 processors in Task Manager. Here is how SQL Server licensing explains the limit of 20 logical processors.
SQL SERVER – What are T-SQL Window Functions? – Notes from the Field #082
Kathi Kellenberger, one of my favorite SQL authors, explains what T-SQL window functions are and how the OVER clause works in SQL Server.
Deleting From a Heap: Why Empty Pages Stay Behind
The rows are gone but the table is the same size and scans are just as slow. Here is why, and two ways to fix it.
SQL SERVER – Identify Disk Latency on SQL Server Box Using PowerShell
Disks are often behind a slow server, and the problem can be hard to spot. Here is a PowerShell script to identify Disk Latency on your SQL Server box.