Install error: Could not find the Database Engine startup handle. This error has many causes, and here is one I found while helping a client.
SQL SERVER – Unable to Start SQL Server After Patching
A reader could not start SQL Server 2008 R2 after SP1 because the script level upgrade failed with error 598. Here is what to check to start SQL Server again.
Why SELECT 28F3 Returns 28: Float Literals and Hidden Aliases
Explain float literals, why SELECT 28F3 creates an alias, how 28E3 uses scientific notation, and why explicit AS prevents confusion.
Making Online Learning Stick
Making online learning stick takes practice beside each video, short notes, spaced review, and one finished project that uses the skill.
Script Table As in SSMS: CREATE, INSERT and SELECT in One Click
Script Table As is the right-click menu in SSMS that writes CREATE, SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE statements for a table. This post shows what each option writes, what the scripts leave out, and how to run them safely.
Using Management Studio: A First Tour of SSMS 22
Using Management Studio gets easier once you know where to look. This first tour of SSMS 22 covers the connection dialog, Object Explorer, the query window, running a query, reading the results and saving a .sql file, with one small demo script to follow along.
SQL Code Comments: Notes Your Future Self Can Read
SQL Code Comments are the notes SQL Server skips and your teammates read. This post shows the two comment styles, what is worth writing in them, a header block for scripts and procedures, and how to stop a comment from lying after the code changes.