Third party backups failed because SqlServerWriter was missing from the output of VSSadmin List Writers. Here are the possible reasons and what to check.
SQL Server – PowerShell Script – Getting Properties and Details
A retail client runs 1500+ databases with fewer than 10 DBAs, so automation matters. Here is a PowerShell script to get SQL Server properties and details.
SQL SERVER – Testing Database Performance with tSQLt and SQLQueryStress
Database testing is often skipped until there is a problem. Here is my approach to testing database performance with tSQLt and SQLQueryStress.
SQL SERVER – CLONEDATABASE: Generate Statistics and Schema Only Copy of the Database
CLONEDATABASE can Generate Statistics and schema-only diagnostic copies without copying table rows. I use that distinction when investigating optimizer behavior.
SQL SERVER – CREATE OR ALTER Supported in Service Pack 1 of SQL Server 2016
SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 1 introduced CREATE OR ALTER. I use it for repeatable deployments of supported object types.
How to Use OR Condition in CASE WHEN Statement? – Interview Question of the Week #102
How do you use an OR condition in a CASE WHEN statement? A tricky interview question, and how to write it so the logic works.
Linked Servers and What Goes Wrong With Them
Investigate linked server performance and failures by checking remote work, provider settings, security mappings, and the alternatives available.