SQL Server would not start: FCB::Open failed because TempDB files could not be created, with operating system error 3. Here is how I fixed it.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Does NOLOCK Really Applies No Lock? – Interview Question of the Week #209
Does NOLOCK really applies no lock? No. NOLOCK takes a Sch-S, or schema stability, lock. Here is a simple script to see it for yourself.
sp_executesql Output Parameters: Getting Values Back From Dynamic SQL
Dynamic SQL runs in its own scope, so a value only comes back if you ask twice. Here are the two mistakes that leave you with NULL.
Implicit Conversions That Quietly Turn Seeks Into Scans
Find implicit conversions in SQL Server plans, compare parameter and column types, and fix type contracts without losing Unicode data.
Catch-All Queries and Optional Parameter Plan Optimization in SQL Server 2025
Compare catch-all queries with recompilation, parameterized dynamic SQL, and SQL Server 2025 optional parameter plan optimization.
Index Size Estimate: Sizing an Index Before You Create It
Before you build an index, estimate its size and say what you assumed. Then check the guess against real pages on a copy.
SQL SERVER – Export Data From SSMS Query to Excel
This follow-up to copying results to Excel shows how to export data directly from an SSMS query to Excel using Results to File (CTRL + SHIFT + F).
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.
Who We Are
Pinal Dave is an SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert and independent consultant with over 24 years of hands-on experience. He holds a Masters of Science degree and numerous database certifications.
Pinal has authored 19 books and 125 Pluralsight courses. To freely share his knowledge and help others build their expertise, Pinal has also written more than 5,800 database tech articles on his blog at https://blog.sqlauthority.com.
Pinal is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1) and CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2).
Nupur Dave is a social media enthusiast and an independent consultant. She primarily focuses on the database domain, helping clients build short and long-term multi-channel campaigns to drive leads for their sales pipeline.
Shaivi Pinalkumar Dave is a book author and a women’s artistic gymnast.

