Template parameters save you from typing one value in four places, but they only paste text. Here is what that means in practice.
SQL SERVER – Right Aligning Numerics in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
Numbers in SSMS results are hard to read when they do not line up. Right aligning numerics takes one query option, and I show where to find it.
SQL SERVER – A Cool Trick – Restoring the Default SQL Server Management Studio – SSMS
Closed Object Explorer by mistake or moved windows around? Here is a cool trick for restoring the default SQL Server Management Studio window layout.
Msg 3201: Cannot Open Backup Device, Operating System Error 3 in SQL Server
Msg 3201 with operating system error 3 means SQL Server cannot find the folder in your backup path. The tests here trigger errors 3, 5 and 67 on SQL Server 2025, show how to check the folder from the server side, and explain why a folder created on the SSMS computer does not help.
SQL SERVER – Error: Deleting Offline Database and Creating the Same Name
Deleted an offline database but the disk is still full, or you get an error creating a database with the same name? Here is why, and what to do.
SQL SERVER – SSMS 2012 Reset Keyboard Shortcuts to Default
Someone changed the keyboard shortcuts in my SSMS 2012 at a conference. Here is how to reset keyboard shortcuts back to the default settings.
SQL SERVER – Denali – Startup Parameters Easy to Configure
SQL Server Denali makes startup parameters easy to change. Here is the quick path in SQL Server Configuration Manager to the startup parameters screen.