Use RESTORE HEADERONLY to identify backup sets, source versions and finish dates before selecting a restore and checking the media.
Testing a Failover Before You Need One
Testing a failover reveals connection, data, job, and recovery gaps before an outage; learn to plan a SQL Server drill and record the result.
Counting Users, Roles and Orphans in Every Database
Audit counting users across databases, include roles and schema ownership, and distinguish orphaned SQL users from contained identities.
Scheduling Patch Windows Without Surprises
Scheduling Patch Windows requires realistic restart time, failover steps, job coordination, backup checks, and clear stop rules.
Spotting tempdb Contention
Spot tempdb contention through PAGELATCH waits and allocation pages, then review file layout and current server settings before changing files.
Azure SQL Database for the On-Premises DBA
Azure SQL database for the on-premises DBA changes patching and backups, while leaving query tuning, access, cost, and recovery checks with your team.
Too Many Indexes on One Table
Too many indexes on a SQL Server table can slow every write; learn how to identify overlapping indexes, measure their value, and remove them safely.