To clear cached plans not used for a set time, list the plans by their last execution time or by the time they were built, then clear each one by its plan handle. This post builds a small procedure that previews the plans first and removes them only when you switch it on. It also explains why the plan handle needs its 0x prefix.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
SQL SERVER Management Studio – Rebuild All Indexes on Table
SSMS can open a Rebuild All dialog for table indexes. An e-commerce customer discovered this shortcut during my health check.
Count NULLs in a Column in SQL Server: Five Ways Compared
To count NULLs in a column, filter with IS NULL and count the rows, or subtract COUNT(column) from COUNT(*). This post tests five ways on 100,000 rows and compares their page reads. It also counts NULLs in several columns at once and shows the NULL group in GROUP BY.
Setup Administrator Rule Failed Even for an Administrator Account
The Setup administrator rule failed for a client even though they were logged on as an administrator. The setup log showed that sqlsccn.dll could not be loaded. The setup media had files missing, and downloading the media again fixed it.
ANSI_WARNINGS OFF: Why SQL Server Truncates Data Silently
With ANSI_WARNINGS OFF, SQL Server cuts a string to fit its column and reports no error. This post runs the same insert with the setting on and off, and shows what else changes: variables, divide by zero and filtered indexes. It also shows how to check which setting a session uses.
SELECT INTO Table Variable: Why It Fails and What to Use
SELECT INTO table variable fails with Msg 102 because SELECT INTO creates its target table and a table variable must be declared first. This post shows two working fixes, a declared table variable and a temp table. It also compares them on rollback, dynamic SQL and row estimates.
How to Join Two Tables Without Using Join Keywords? – Interview Question of the Week #266
Question: How to Join Two Tables Without Using Join Keywords?
Answer: In my life, I have attended many interviews as an interviewer.
SQL Server slow? Let's fix it together in about four hours.
In my Comprehensive Database Performance Health Check, you share your screen, I guide you, and we fix your biggest performance troublemakers. No passwords. No remote access.
You keep every script, and the know-how to fix it yourself next time.
Want your whole team to learn it?
My Practical Workshop has no PowerPoint, just live demos. My AI Enablement Workshop shows your team where AI saves hours, and where it quietly costs them.
Over 400 customers have worked with me this way, and not one shared a password. See all consulting options.