A reader got Msg 511 when adding a sparse column. Sparse columns reduce the maximum row size from 8060 to 8018 bytes. Here is what that means for you.
SQL SERVER – Using 20 Logical Processors Based on SQL Server Licensing
A friend saw SQL Server use only 20 of 64 processors in Task Manager. Here is how SQL Server licensing explains the limit of 20 logical processors.
SQL SERVER – Service Pack Error – The User Data directory in the registry is not valid. Verify DefaultData key under the instance hive points to a valid directory
Service pack 2 on SQL Server 2012 failed with: The User Data directory in the registry is not valid. Here is how the DefaultData registry key caused it.
SQL SERVER – WARNING – SQL Server Has Encountered N Occurrence(s) of I/O Requests Taking Longer Than 15 Seconds
Seeing ‘I/O requests taking longer than 15 seconds’ in the ERRORLOG? Here is what this common warning means and where to look for the slow disk behind it.
SQL SERVER – Backup Failure – Error: 3203, Severity: 16, State: 1
A transaction log backup failed with Error: 3203, saying the read on the LDF file failed with Incorrect function. Here is what I found.
SQL SERVER – Login Failed For User – Reason Server is in Script Upgrade Mode
Login failed for user because the server is in script upgrade mode? It happens after patching while upgrade scripts run. Here is what it means and what to do.
SQL SERVER – Where is ERRORLOG? Various Ways to Find ERRORLOG Location
When readers report a strange error, I first ask for the SQL Server ERRORLOG. Here are the various ways to find the ERRORLOG Location on your server.