Msg 864 means a buffer pool extension file is larger than SQL Server allows for the memory in the machine. This post gives the limits, four read-only checks tested on SQL Server 2025, and the steps to start a server that will not boot.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
SQL SERVER – ReadOnly Databases and Notes Using Snapshots
Can you get the ReadOnly error without marking the database ReadOnly? Yes, using snapshots. Here is a script that shows the behavior step by step.
Hey DBA – Protecting a Proactive Attitude – Notes from the Field #069
Being proactive is about attitude and mindset, not just scripts. Mike Walsh explains how DBAs and developers can protect a proactive attitude.
SQL SERVER – Storing Data in Hindi, Chinese, Gujarati and Tamil (or any other) Language in the Same Table
Getting ??? after storing data in Hindi, Tamil or Gujarati? Here are the basic rules to follow to keep many languages in the same table.
Building the Restore Script for the Latest Backup Chain From msdb
Do not type a restore sequence by hand at 2 AM. Let msdb tell you the order, and prove the script works before you need it.
SQL SERVER – COLUMNSTORE and COLUMNSTORE_ARCHIVE data compression
SQL Server 2014 adds COLUMNSTORE_ARCHIVE data compression for rarely used data. Here is how to use it on older data, at the cost of slower queries.
Interview Question of the Week #008 – Write Scripts to Convert String to Title Case or Proper Case
Convert string values to title case with a corrected function, ordered SQL Server aggregation, and clear limits for personal names.
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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.

