Developers often select only 1 row to peek at what a table holds, but typing SELECT TOP 1 again and again is slow. I share a quicker shortcut for it.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Restore a Database in SSMS: Step by Step
To restore a database in SSMS, right-click Databases, choose Restore Database, pick the backup file, name the destination and choose the recovery state. This post covers each page of the dialog, the tail-log error that stops overwrites, and the T-SQL for a full, differential and log restore chain.
Safe Dynamic SQL With sp_executesql and QUOTENAME
Write safe dynamic SQL with typed value parameters, validated object names, and allowed sort columns, then test hostile input.
Geo-Replication for Azure SQL
Geo-replication for Azure SQL protects against regional failure through readable replicas or failover groups; learn lag, routing, and drills.
SQL SERVER – Fix : Error – sqljdbc_auth.dll Issue – com.microsoft.sqlserver.jdbc.SQLServerException: The TCP/IP connection to the host localhost, port 1433 has failed
A JDBC user got ‘The TCP/IP connection to the host localhost, port 1433 has failed’ even after checking the firewall. Here is the sqljdbc_auth.dll fix.
Rehearsing a master Database Restore on a Test Instance
Rehearse a master database restore on a matching test instance, including single-user sqlcmd, automatic shutdown, and configuration checks.
Optimized Locking in SQL Server 2025: What Changes for Blocking
Enable optimized locking in SQL Server 2025 with ADR and RCSI, then compare lock counts and blocking while checking LAQ limits.
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.

