Wait Type PREEMPTIVE_COM_SETPARAMETERINFO

Wait statistics, in the context of SQL Server, refer to the amount of time that a query spends waiting to access data in the database. When a client application requests data from the database, the request is placed in a queue and the client application must wait for its turn to access the data. The time that the query spends waiting is called a "wait" and is tracked by SQL Server. This information can be used to identify potential performance bottlenecks and optimize the performance of the database. Wait statistics are commonly used by database administrators to diagnose and troubleshoot performance issues in SQL Server.

SQL Server uses wait types to provide insights into processes that might be experiencing delays. The PREEMPTIVE_COM_SETPARAMETERINFO wait type is related to SQL Server’s interaction with external COM (Component Object Model) components. This wait occurs when SQL Server is setting parameter information for a COM object during execution. Understanding this wait type can help you identify and resolve bottlenecks in systems that rely on COM-based operations.

What Is the PREEMPTIVE_COM_SETPARAMETERINFO Wait Type?

The PREEMPTIVE_COM_SETPARAMETERINFO wait type appears when SQL Server is waiting for an external COM component to complete the task of setting parameter information. This process is handled in preemptive mode, where SQL Server yields the CPU to allow the external operation to execute without interruption. It is common in scenarios where SQL Server integrates with external systems or uses legacy functionalities like OLE Automation or linked servers.

When Does PREEMPTIVE_COM_SETPARAMETERINFO Appear?

Some common scenarios where this wait type occurs include:

• OLE Automation Procedures – When stored procedures like sp_OAMethod or sp_OASetProperty are used to interact with COM objects.
• Linked Server Queries – When querying data from linked servers that rely on COM-based providers.
• Integration with External Systems – Applications that call external COM components for processing or data retrieval.
• Extended Stored Procedures – Custom procedures built on COM components that require parameter configuration during execution.

Why PREEMPTIVE_COM_SETPARAMETERINFO Waits Matter

While some PREEMPTIVE_COM_SETPARAMETERINFO waits are normal in environments that use external COM components, prolonged or excessive waits can indicate performance issues. Common causes include:

• Slow COM Components – External systems or components may be slow in processing parameter information.
• Network Latency – For COM components accessed over a network, high latency can lead to increased wait times.
• Resource Constraints – Limited CPU, memory, or disk resources on the external system can delay processing.
• Frequent COM Calls – Systems that rely heavily on COM-based operations may accumulate significant wait times.

How to Address PREEMPTIVE_COM_SETPARAMETERINFO Waits

To reduce the impact of this wait type, consider the following strategies:

• Optimize COM Interactions – Reduce the frequency of COM calls or batch them together to minimize overhead.
• Improve External System Performance – Ensure the external system or COM component has sufficient resources to handle requests efficiently.
• Enhance Network Performance – For distributed environments, optimize network connectivity to reduce latency between SQL Server and the external component.
• Review Application Design – Avoid over-reliance on OLE Automation and consider alternative methods for data integration or processing.
• Monitor Linked Servers – Optimize linked server configurations and ensure the data provider is functioning efficiently.

Monitoring PREEMPTIVE_COM_SETPARAMETERINFO Waits

To monitor this wait type, use SQL Server’s sys.dm_os_wait_stats to track occurrences and durations. Additionally, dynamic management views like sys.dm_exec_requests can help identify active processes experiencing these waits. Tools such as Database Health Monitor provide comprehensive insights into wait statistics and system performance, making it easier to identify and resolve bottlenecks.

Stedman Solutions specializes in SQL Server performance tuning and optimization. Whether you need assistance addressing wait types like PREEMPTIVE_COM_SETPARAMETERINFO, improving query performance, or managing database workloads, we’re here to help. Our Database Health Monitor tool delivers real-time analysis of wait types and system health, while our managed services provide expert support to keep your SQL Server environment running efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your SQL Server needs!

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Applies to

• SQL Server 2022

Related Waits

See Also

• More About PREEMPTIVE_COM_SETPARAMETERINFO