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SQL Server insights from 25+ years in the field

Performance tips, security advisories, health check findings, and industry analysis. Practical, technically accurate, no fluff.

15 May 2018 · 5 min read

How to Search every Table in a SQL Database for a String

Learn how to build a stored procedure that searches every table and character-based column in a SQL Server database for a specific string value.

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15 May 2018 · 6 min read

How to update all objects in a table to DBO

Fix broken SQL Server permission chains by transferring all object ownership to DBO. Covers sp_changeobjectowner, ALTER AUTHORIZATION and production gotchas.

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15 May 2018 · 5 min read

How to Check Authentication Method into SQL Server (SharePoint)

Query sys.dm_exec_connections to instantly identify whether SharePoint is authenticating to SQL Server via Kerberos or NTLM, and resolve SSRS integrated mode failures.

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15 May 2018 · 6 min read

PCI Compliance Requirements with SQL Server

SQL Server has built-in capabilities that address the majority of PCI DSS requirements for database infrastructure. Learn how to map SQL Server features to each PCI requirement.

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15 May 2018 · 7 min read

SQL Server Migration Checklist

A comprehensive SQL Server migration checklist to ensure nothing gets left behind, from data files and logins to agent jobs and linked servers.

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15 May 2018 · 4 min read

How to Tune Maximum Degree of Parallelism (MAXDOP)

Getting MAXDOP wrong is one of the most common causes of SQL Server performance problems. Learn how to choose the right setting for your workload.

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15 May 2018 · 6 min read

SQL Server 2012 Encryption Key Hierarchy

SQL Server uses a layered key hierarchy to protect data at rest. Learn how each level works, why it matters for recovery, and how it supports compliance requirements.

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15 May 2018 · 6 min read

How to Find a Blocking Process

Blocking processes can cascade and cripple SQL Server performance within minutes. Learn how to find them quickly and act on what you find.

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15 May 2018 · 5 min read

Top Wait Types and Descriptions

Learn how to read SQL Server wait statistics and identify the wait types that actually matter, with inline descriptions built into the query result set.

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15 May 2018 · 5 min read

SQL Server Fixed Server-Level Roles

SQL Server includes 9 fixed server-level roles that are commonly misused. Learn what each role does and how to apply them correctly to protect your instance.

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15 May 2018 · 5 min read

How to Find Which Files Belong to Which SQL Database

Learn how to map SQL Server database files to their databases using a simple JOIN on sys.master_files and sys.databases, ordered by file size to spot problems fast.

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15 May 2018 · 6 min read

How to Find and Alert on Deadlock Conditions

Deadlocks can silently wreck application performance. Learn four practical methods to detect and alert on SQL Server deadlock conditions before they escalate.

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SQL Server insights, monthly.

Performance tips, security advisories, and industry analysis. No fluff, no spam.