A friend sent me only his mdf file instead of a backup of the database. Here is how to attach mdf file without ldf file and let SQL Server build a new log.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Installing SQL Server Silently From the Command Line
Installing SQL Server silently takes a reviewed ConfigurationFile.ini, required setup switches, and a check of logs and active instance settings.
SQL SERVER – T-SQL Script to Take Database Offline – Take Database Online
A reader asked how to bring a database back online. This short T-SQL script will take database offline with ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE and then online again.
SQL SERVER – Update Statistics are Sampled By Default
A reader asked if statistics are sampled by default. They are, and a one million row test table proves it. You can set the rate up to 100%.
SQL SERVER – Create Primary Key with Specific Name when Creating Table
How do you create a primary key with specific name while creating the table itself? One CREATE TABLE statement can define and name the constraint.
When Are Statistics Updated? What Triggers an Automatic Update
Statistics updated automatically need two things: enough changed rows, and a query that uses the statistic. This post explains the old 500 plus 20 percent rule and the newer square root threshold, then shows a million-row demo where last_updated changes only after a query compiles. It also covers FULLSCAN, asynchronous updates and when to update by hand.
SQL SERVER – Find Max Worker Count using DMV – 32 Bit and 64 Bit
Does doubling the CPUs double the worker threads? No. Use sys.dm_os_sys_info to find Max Worker Count, and see the formula for 32 bit and 64 bit.
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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.

