Find implicit conversions in SQL Server plans, compare parameter and column types, and fix type contracts without losing Unicode data.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
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).
Finding Edition-Bound Features With sys.dm_db_persisted_sku_features
Use sys.dm_db_persisted_sku_features before an edition move, inventory databases, and distinguish feature evidence from licensing checks.
SQL SERVER – FIX: Msg 8180 – Statement(s) Could not be Prepared. Deferred Prepare Could not be Completed
A linked server query with OPENQUERY gave Msg 8180: Statement(s) could not be prepared. Deferred prepare could not be completed. Here is what I learned and the fix.
How to Move Log File or MDF File in SQL Server? – Interview Question of the Week #208
Question: How to Move Log File or MDF File in SQL Server? Here are the steps I use to move a busy LDF or MDF file to a quieter drive.
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.

