SQL Server setup failed with an error generating the XML document. The real cause was DPAPI and a read-only domain controller, found in Summary.txt.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
SQL SERVER – Error 33222, Level 16 – Audit ‘MyAudit’ Failed to Start
Error 33222 says only that the audit failed to start. Reproduced on SQL Server 2025: where the real reason hides, and why CREATE succeeded.
Grouping by query_hash to Find Cheap Queries That Cost the Most
Group cached statements by query_hash to find high total CPU and reads, compare plan hashes, and account for missing cache history.
SQL SERVER – Express and SQL Server Agent – Free Alternative
Small Express database, big performance problems? Here is a free alternative that fills the gap between SQL Server Express and SQL Server Agent jobs.
SQL SERVER – Huge Size of Table catalog.execution_component_phases in SSISDB
SSISDB was huge, and the biggest table was catalog.execution_component_phases. Here is what fills it, like retention period and logging level.
SQL SERVER – The Lease between Availability Group ‘PRODAG’ and the Windows Server Failover Cluster has Expired
The lease between availability group and the Windows Server Failover Cluster has expired: a common error. Here is what each ERRORLOG line means.
What is the Difference between SUSPECT and RECOVERY PENDING? – Interview Question of the Week #114
What is the difference between SUSPECT and RECOVERY PENDING? A reader moved databases to a new drive and they went into recovery pending. Here is why.
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.
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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.

