I am not a big fan of using command line utilities in general. But from time to time I do explore and play around with command line tools that make my life easier. Having said that, when working with SQL Server, I do often give out the recommendation of not trying to use the native xp_cmdshell commands with SQL Server. Even the SQL_Server_2012_Security_Best_Practice_Whitepaper talks about xp_cmdshell and recommends to avoid the same if it is possible. These are basic building blocks of security that I highly recommend my customers from time to time.
SQL SERVER – Using MaxTransferSize parameter with SQL Server Backups
Off late I have been writing a lot around SQL Server backups and administration topics. I have seen a lot of my readers have been enjoying some of the deep conversations I have with people in the industry. As I always say, most of the blog posts are inspired by someone asking me a question, me doing the research and then reaching out to them to give a solution. This blog post is no different in that aspect.
SQL SERVER – Where is ERRORLOG? Various Ways to Find ERRORLOG Location
Whenever someone reports some weird error on my blog comments or sends email to know about it, I always ask to share SQL Server ERRORLOG file. There have been many occasions where I need to guide them to find location of ERRORLOG file generated by SQL Server. Most DBA’s are intelligent and know some of these, but this is my try to share my learning about ERRORLOG location.
SQL SERVER – Backup on mapped drive failing with error – Error 3201, Level 16, State 1
We are so used to taking backups and it can sometimes give us new experiences. One of the common messages I see are around taking backups on a share. If you have found this blog while searching for error message then you may want to look at below blogs as well if you are NOT dealing with mapped drive.
SQL SERVER – FIX – A connection cannot be made to redirector. Ensure that ‘SQL Browser’ service is running. (Microsoft.AnalysisServices.AdomdClient)
I opened SQL Server Management Studio and instead of a database engine. Below is the error which I received for SQL Browser:
SQL SERVER – Script to Convert Date to Julian Dates
There are many methods to store date values. One of them is Julian date. It is a seven digit number where first four is the year part and the next three digits are the number of days from Jan 01.
Interview Question of the Week #009 – Is GO T-SQL Statement?
I often get this question in the email – more frequently than I would like to get.
Question: “Is GO T-SQL statement?”