Live Query Statistics in SSMS draws a query plan that moves while the query runs, with a percentage beside each operator. This post tests a query with a wrong estimate on SQL Server 2025 and explains what the percentage means, why a Sort sits at zero, and how it differs from the cost percentage.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
SQL SERVER – Offline, Detach and Drop – Differences – SQL in Sixty Seconds #103
if I can help them understand the difference between database status like Offline, Detach and Drop. It was very important to differences.
Are Not Equal to Operators Equal to Not In? – SQL in Sixty Seconds #102
What I love most about my job, is that I get to work with different people and answer questions. Are Not Equal to Operators Equal to Not In?
Do MAX Function Scan Table? – Interview Question of the Week #289
Question: Do MAX Function Scan Table to retrieve the data?
Answer: Yes, if there are no indexes to help retrieve data. Let us learn it today.
Device Is Not Ready: Fix Operating System Error 21
Device Is Not Ready is the Windows text behind operating system error 21, which SQL Server reports inside error 823. This post explains what the message means, lists the common causes, and gives read-only checks to run before any restart. It ends with the DBCC CHECKDB step that proves the database is healthy.
Negative Identity Column – SQL in Sixty Seconds #101
I had a very interesting story to tell about a negative identity column from my recent Comprehensive Database Performance Health Check.
Patch Your SQL Server – SQL in Sixty Seconds #100
When did you last time patch your SQL Server? I often discuss this question with my clients, I get many different kinds of answers.
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.
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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.

