What is new for security in SQL Server Denali? Contained databases keep their own settings, metadata and users, so moving them to a new server is easy.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
hierarchyid GetDescendant: Insert Between Siblings
hierarchyid GetDescendant can generate a sibling location before, after or between existing bounds. This read-only example computes paths without inserting records or guaranteeing allocation.
SQL SERVER – Fix : Error : The request failed or the service did not respond in a timely fashion
The request failed or the service did not respond in a timely fashion: SQL Server would not start after TechEd. The event log and our password policy explained it.
VAR and VARP: Choose the Variance Denominator
VAR and VARP describe sample and population variation. Keep observation count and missingness visible when reporting their results.
Checking 32-Bit Leftovers: Linked Server Providers and ODBC Drivers
Find 32-bit dependencies in linked servers, Agent steps, SSIS execution choices, and Windows ODBC drivers before a server move.
DMV Snapshot Deltas for a Query Activity Interval
DMV snapshot deltas show counter growth for cached statements that survive two observations. Compare their identities and report missing coverage before ranking activity.
Partition Stats Permissions: A SQL Server 2025 CU9 Counterpoint
A controlled SQL Server 2025 CU9 test separates partition metadata visibility from access to table rows. Compare the documented permission pair with observed grant behavior, and keep the build-specific result within its measured scope.
SQL Server slow? Let's fix it together in about four hours.
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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.

