To change fill factor for an index, rebuild it with a new FILLFACTOR value. The tests here measure what 100, 80 and 50 do to page count, scan reads and page splits, and when a lower value is not worth the space.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Finding Databases That Have Never Been Backed Up
Your backup job is green, but is every database in it? Here is a read-only way to find the ones missing from msdb history.
Comparing Two Schemas With sys.columns and a FULL OUTER JOIN
Use read-only queries for comparing two schemas, finding missing columns, checking type details, and reviewing indexes and modules.
SQL Server: Why Retrying an INSERT Can Create Duplicate Rows
Retrying an INSERT can create duplicate rows even with an identity primary key. These tested examples use a stable request ID to return the original order, reject changed inputs, and preserve unrelated errors.
GDR or CU: Choosing Your Update Branch
Choose GDR or CU for SQL Server by understanding security and cumulative branches, checking the exact build, and testing a branch change.
SQL SERVER – How to Get SQL Server Restart Notification?
Want a restart notification when SQL Server starts, without buying a tool? Here are the steps to run a stored procedure at startup.
SQL SERVER – SQL Server High Availability Options – Notes from the Field #032
Not sure which of the High Availability options fits your organization? Tim Radney explains the SQL Server choices in very simple words.
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