Regaining sysadmin access starts with single-user SQL Server, a local sqlcmd connection, and a controlled Windows admin group.
Disabling Nonclustered Indexes Before a Large Load, Then Rebuilding
Test disabling nonclustered indexes before a large load, rebuilding them afterward, and measuring total time and log use.
Moving Databases to a New Server Behind a SQL Server Alias
Move databases behind a SQL Server alias or DNS CNAME by planning name redirection, backup and restore, Kerberos SPNs, and connection tests.
SQL Server Agent Basics
SQL Server Agent basics covers jobs, steps, schedules, proxies, and history so a first useful job runs with a clear owner and failure path.
Distributed Availability Groups: Linking Two Sites Without One Big Cluster
Understand distributed availability groups, connect two existing groups across sites, inspect health, and plan recovery without one cluster.
Recycling the Error Log on a Schedule and Keeping Enough History
Keep SQL Server logs readable by recycling the error log weekly, retaining enough archives, setting a size cap, and checking history.
Ordering a Maintenance Window: Backups, CHECKDB and Index Work
Order a maintenance window by listing Agent schedules, separating CHECKDB, backups, index work, and statistics, then tracking growth.