Apply query store hints to a vendor query without code changes, verify failures and plan behavior, then clear the hint after the real fix.
Reading Pending I/O Requests During a Storage Slowdown
Sample pending I/O requests during PAGEIOLATCH or WRITELOG stalls, map each request to a file, and share timed evidence.
Finding Which Database Uses the Most CPU on a Shared Instance
Find which database uses the most CPU from cached query stats and plan attributes, then use Query Store for restart-safe history.
QUERY_OPTIMIZER_HOTFIXES: Turning On Optimizer Fixes per Database
A vendor says to turn on optimizer hotfixes. Here is how I check the setting, try it on one statement, and restore it.
Optimized Locking in SQL Server 2025: What Changes for Blocking
Enable optimized locking in SQL Server 2025 with ADR and RCSI, then compare lock counts and blocking while checking LAQ limits.
Making SSIS Packages Faster
Make SSIS packages faster by measuring each flow, using fast load, sizing buffers from row width, and replacing row-by-row work.
Performance Baseline in SQL Server: Measure Before You Tune
Build a performance baseline in SQL Server with saved waits, file latency, query CPU, and counters before judging a tuning change.