Understanding connection timeouts and query timeouts in SQL Server: how they differ, why they get confused, and where to look when one hits.
SQL SERVER – Error – Attempted to Perform an Unauthorized Operation
A reader’s SQL Server 2016 setup log showed ‘Attempted to perform an unauthorized operation’ during local discovery. Here is what caused it and the fix.
SQL SERVER – Msg 3047, Level 16, State 1: The BackupDirectory Registry Key is Not Configured Correctly
A backup without a full path suddenly failed with Msg 3047: the BackupDirectory registry key is not configured correctly. Here is why and how I fixed it.
SQL SERVER – Performance Benefit of Using SPARSE Columns?
What is the performance benefit of using SPARSE columns? From a SaaS consulting assignment, here are the considerations I shared with the developers.
SQL SERVER – Error: Property BackupDirectory is Not Available for Settings
Opening Restore in SSMS gave ‘Property BackupDirectory is not available for Settings’. I used a Profiler trace to find where it comes from and fixed it.
What is a Backup Timeline for Restore Process? – Interview Question of the Week #092
Question: What is a Backup Timeline for Restore Process?
Answer: One of the most popular interview question about Backup and Restore Database process.
SQL SERVER – Unable to Start Services After Patching (sqlagent_msdb_upgrade.sql)
Unable to start services after patching? The ERRORLOG pointed to sqlagent_msdb_upgrade.sql failing. Here is what caused it for my client and the fix.