Review columnstore bulk load batch sizes, inspect delta and compressed rowgroups, and measure the cost of forcing small groups to compress.
SQL SERVER – FCB::Open Failed – TEMPDB Files Fail to be Created with Error: “CREATE FILE Encountered Operating System Error 3”
SQL Server would not start: FCB::Open failed because TempDB files could not be created, with operating system error 3. Here is how I fixed it.
Does NOLOCK Really Applies No Lock? – Interview Question of the Week #209
Does NOLOCK really applies no lock? No. NOLOCK takes a Sch-S, or schema stability, lock. Here is a simple script to see it for yourself.
sp_executesql Output Parameters: Getting Values Back From Dynamic SQL
Dynamic SQL runs in its own scope, so a value only comes back if you ask twice. Here are the two mistakes that leave you with NULL.
Catch-All Queries and Optional Parameter Plan Optimization in SQL Server 2025
Compare catch-all queries with recompilation, parameterized dynamic SQL, and SQL Server 2025 optional parameter plan optimization.
SQL SERVER – Export Data From SSMS Query to Excel
This follow-up to copying results to Excel shows how to export data directly from an SSMS query to Excel using Results to File (CTRL + SHIFT + F).
SQL SERVER – FIX: Msg 8180 – Statement(s) Could not be Prepared. Deferred Prepare Could not be Completed
A linked server query with OPENQUERY gave Msg 8180: Statement(s) could not be prepared. Deferred prepare could not be completed. Here is what I learned and the fix.