An SSIS package failed with an identity error because both tables had identity columns. Checking Enable identity insert in the Import Expert Wizard fixed it.
SQL SERVER – Generate Report for Index Physical Statistics – SSMS
SSMS has a standard report for Index Physical Statistics at the database level. Right click the database, open Reports, and see index details at a glance.
SQL SERVER – Get Server Version and Additional Info
Most people check the SQL Server version with @@VERSION. I also like xp_msver, which shows extra details about the server where SQL Server is installed.
SQL SERVER – Change Collation of Database Column – T-SQL Script – Consolidating Collations – Extention Script
Brian Cidern’s extension script for consolidating collations across a database, a big help when you face the annoying cannot resolve collation error.
SQL SERVER – Plan Caching and Schema Change – An Interesting Observation
What counts as a schema change for plan caching? More than table structure: adding or dropping an index also qualifies, per Greg Low’s white paper.
SQL SERVER – Difference between SQL Server Express and MySQL
SQL Server Express and MySQL are both free relational databases for smaller or embedded apps, yet they differ in important ways. Here is how they compare.
Central Management Servers and Registered Servers
Use Central Management Servers and registered servers in SSMS to organize SQL Server instances and run safe read-only queries across groups.