Tracking job failures across servers takes a daily msdb report, a central instance list, and notifications that reach someone who can act.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Slipstreaming Updates Into a New Install
Slipstreaming Updates lets SQL Server Setup apply a selected CU during installation with UpdateSource and avoids a separate patch pass.
Splitting Full Names Into First, Middle and Last in T-SQL
Try splitting full names with T-SQL string functions, preserve token order, and flag suffixes or compound surnames for review.
Installing sqlcmd and bcp on a Clean Machine
Installing sqlcmd and bcp on Windows starts with the current Microsoft command line utilities, then PATH and version checks.
Handing Over a Database to Another Team
Handing over a database should include a current map, tested recovery path, access transfer, open risks, and a defined support period.
SQL SERVER – INNER JOIN using LEFT JOIN statement – Performance Analysis
Can you write an INNER JOIN using LEFT JOIN? Yes, and the result is the same, but my performance analysis in AdventureWorks shows why you should not.
Seeing What Is Running Right Now
See what is running right now in SQL Server with request DMVs, statement text, plans, waits, and blocking details in one reusable query.
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.

