Ghost Records are logically deleted index records waiting for physical cleanup. I investigate their context before recommending an intervention.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Querying a Histogram With sys.dm_db_stats_histogram Instead of DBCC
Query sys.dm_db_stats_histogram to inspect statistics steps, compare stored estimates with data, and identify values beyond the last step.
SQL SERVER – Select Unique Data From a Column Exist in Two Different Table
A reader wanted to Select Unique Data from a column in two tables, keeping only values found in just one of them. Here is the query that does it.
SQL SERVER – Simple Explanation of AT TIME ZONE Feature
The AT TIME ZONE feature arrived in SQL Server 2016. Here is a simple two-step example that converts US East Coast time to West Coast time.
How to Kill User Sessions (SPID) in SQL Server? – Interview Question of the Week #141
How do you Kill User Sessions (SPID) in SQL Server? First ask why you want to, since killing busy sessions rarely helps. Then here is the script.
SQL SERVER – The Operating System Returned the Error 21(The Device is Not Ready.) While Attempting ‘GetDiskFreeSpace’ on ‘A:\’
While testing SQL Server 2017, I found Error 21 (the device is not ready) in the ERRORLOG for GetDiskFreeSpace on drive A. Here is why it shows up.
SQL SERVER – New DMV in SQL Server 2017 – sys.dm_os_enumerate_fixed_drives. A Replacement of xp_fixeddrives
SQL Server 2017 adds sys.dm_os_enumerate_fixed_drives, a new DMV that shows free space on each drive and replaces xp_fixeddrives. Here is the query I use.
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.