Blog Posts

In the landscape of database management, SQL Server stands as a robust and reliable solution for many businesses. However, maximizing its performance often requires nuanced approaches, particularly when it comes to hardware resources. One area that garners significant attention is the utilization of CPU cores. While the instinct may be to leverage every available core to its full potential, this strategy is not always optimal for SQL Server Performance. Understanding the specific workload and performance needs …

Not Using All Cores for SQL Server Read More »

In the complex realm of database management, ensuring the security and integrity of user tables within the master database is an essential, yet often challenging, task. These tables serve as the backbone of many applications, holding critical data that underpins business operations. With increasing threats from cyberattacks and the looming inevitability of data Corruption or hardware failure, database administrators must prepare robust Disaster Recovery plans. These plans aim to mitigate potential losses and ensure swift recovery, …

User Tables in Master Database on SQL Server Read More »

How to Fix Deadlocks in Your Database: A Comprehensive Guide Deadlocks in SQL Server can be a persistent and perplexing problem that database administrators frequently face. They occur when two or more sessions block each other while holding a lock that the other needs, creating a cycle of dependency that can bring processes to a standstill. Recognizing the symptoms of deadlocks and knowing how to effectively address them is crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance …

SQL Server – How to Fix Deadlocks Read More »

While SQL Server is a robust and powerful database management system, certain default settings might not always optimize its performance for every use case. One such feature that often flies under the radar is “AutoClose,” a database option that can have significant implications on your server’s performance. Understanding how AutoClose works and its impact on your SQL Server can be crucial in ensuring your database operates efficiently and meets the demands of your applications. AutoClose, when …

AutoClose Impact on Performance in SQL Server Read More »

Why Clustered Indexes Matter in SQL Server In SQL Server, a clustered index defines the physical order of a table’s data, boosting performance and organization. Tables without clustered indexes, called heaps, can cause inefficiencies. This post explains why clustered indexes are essential and why heaps are problematic. What is a Clustered Index? A clustered index sorts and stores a table’s data in a B-tree based on the index key. Since it determines the physical data order, …

Tables Without A Clustered Index Read More »

Risks of Storing SQL Server User Databases on C: Drive and Best Practices Storing SQL Server user databases on the C: drive is risky. While convenient, it endangers your data. Here’s why it’s dangerous and how to follow best practices for a secure, performant SQL Server setup. Dangers of C: Drive Storage System Failure Risk: The C: drive hosts the OS and SQL Server. If it fails, your databases are at risk, causing downtime or data …

User Databases on the C Drive Read More »

Handling Failed Database Mail in SQL Server: Detection and Resolution Database Mail in SQL Server is a powerful feature for sending automated emails, such as alerts, reports, or notifications. However, when Database Mail fails, it can disrupt critical workflows and leave administrators unaware of issues. This blog post explores common causes of Database Mail failures, how to detect them, and steps to resolve them effectively. Common Causes of Database Mail Failures Database Mail failures can stem …

Failed Database Mail? Read More »

Accessing SQL Server error logs swiftly is crucial for database administrators striving to maintain an efficient and responsive database environment. However, challenges often arise when these logs become colossal in size, slowing down access times and complicating the process of troubleshooting and maintaining system health. This issue affects operational efficiency, making it imperative to adopt strategies that enhance the accessibility and manageability of error logs. In this post, we’ll delve into practical solutions designed to mitigate …

Mitigating Slow SQL Server Error Log Access Read More »

When it comes to SQL Server backups, most folks think first about user databases — and rightly so, since that’s where the business data lives. But what often gets neglected are the system databases, the unsung heroes quietly keeping everything running behind the scenes. Neglecting to back up master, model, and msdb can put you in a tight spot during a recovery scenario. Let’s break down why each is important — and why tempdb doesn’t belong …

The Critical Role of System Database Backups Read More »

Understanding and Resolving Failed SQL Server Agent Jobs Managing SQL Server Agent jobs is a crucial aspect of database administration, ensuring that tasks such as backups, maintenance, and data imports are executed as scheduled. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter instances where these jobs start failing, leading to significant operational headaches and potential disruptions to your business processes. Understanding the causes behind these failures can be a daunting task, as the job logs may not always …

Failing SQL Server Agent Jobs? Read More »

Some people say I am obsessed with Join Types, they may be right, you can decide. Imagine transforming your daily shower ritual into an innovative learning session. As the steam rises, so too can your knowledge of SQL, all thanks to a clever tool aptly named the Shower Curtain. This novel approach aims to seamlessly integrate learning into your routine, allowing you to memorize SQL queries and functions while you lather, rinse, and repeat. Designed for …

Shower Curtain: Learn SQL In The Shower Read More »

Why an Active SQL Server Agent Job with No Schedule Can Be Misleading or Confusing An active SQL Server Agent job with no schedule can be misleading or confusing for several reasons: Expectation of Execution: An “active” job implies it is running or will run automatically, but without a schedule, it won’t execute unless manually triggered or called by another process. This can confuse users who expect automated execution. Misinterpretation of Status: The “enabled” status of …

Active Agent Jobs with No Schedule Read More »

Why Disabled Indexes in SQL Server Can Cause Issues Indexes in SQL Server are essential for query performance, but disabled indexes can lead to significant problems. This post explores the risks of disabled indexes, why they occur, and how tools like Database Health Monitor can help identify them. What Are Disabled Indexes? In SQL Server, indexes can be disabled using the ALTER INDEX … DISABLE command. When disabled, SQL Server no longer uses the index for …

Disabled Indexes Read More »

For more information on Database Health Monitor you can visit StedmanSolutions.com. You can download the free trial of Database Health Monitor at https://DatabaseHealth.com/download2. Mastering Database Insights with the Table Use Report in Database Health Monitor In the fast-paced world of data management, databases serve as the cornerstone of organizational success, quietly powering applications, storing critical information, and enabling seamless operations. However, not all tables in a database are created equal—some are bustling hubs of activity, while …

When Was That Table Last Used? Read More »

Configuring Database Mail in SQL Server Database Mail is a powerful tool in SQL Server that enables you to send emails directly from your server. This functionality is essential for automation and monitoring, allowing for seamless integration of email notifications when certain criteria are met within your database activities. Whether it’s sending alerts for low disk space or notifying administrators of job completions, setting up and configuring Database Mail ensures you stay informed on your database’s …

Configuring Database Mail in SQL Server Read More »

For more information on Database Health Monitor you can visit StedmanSolutions.com. You can download the free trial of Database Health Monitor at https://DatabaseHealth.com/download2. CTRL + Mousewheel Support Database Health Monitor has support for adjusting font sizes using the CTRL + Mousewheel to scroll up or down to resize fonts, this option is available in many of the edit/display fields. Database administrators and analysts continuously seek tools and features that enhance the user experience and streamline workflows. …

CTRL Mousewheel to Adjust Fonts in Database Health Montior Read More »

This is just one of the many checks that our Daily Checkup and Quickscan Report from Stedman Solutions will report on. In the world of data-driven decision-making, the ability to efficiently analyze and utilize vast amounts of information has become a cornerstone of successful business operations. At the heart of this capability lies the critical function of database management systems. One of the unsung heroes within this sphere is the feature known as “Auto Create Statistics.” …

The Importance of Auto Create Statistics Read More »

Virtual Log Files (VLFs) in SQL Server are smaller, manageable segments of the physical transaction log file used to track database changes for recovery and consistency. When a transaction log grows, SQL Server divides it into VLFs to simplify log management, with each VLF handling a portion of the log records. The number and size of VLFs depend on the log file’s initial size and growth increments, and having too many or too few can impact …

Virtual Log File – Video Read More »

Protecting SQL Server from Ransomware: The Power of Immutable Backups In today’s digital landscape, data is a cornerstone of organizational success. For those of us who’ve managed SQL Server environments over the years, the journey of safeguarding data has been both dynamic and challenging. With ransomware attacks looming as a persistent threat—capable of encrypting vital data and disrupting operations—immutable backups stand out as a vital defense for SQL Server databases. Let’s explore why these backups are …

Immutable Backups for Your SQL Databases Read More »

SQL Server Replication Course from Stedman Solutions Are you looking to master SQL Server replication but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve been tasked with setting up replication in your SQL Server environment, and it feels like a daunting task. The SQL Server Replication Course from Stedman Solutions is here to help you bridge that gap. Designed by true SQL Server specialists, this course provides hands-on learning to give you the confidence and expertise …

SQL Server Replication Course by Steve Read More »

This is just one of the many checks that our Daily Checkup and Quickscan Report from Stedman Solutions will report on. Understanding the Risks: User Tables in the Master Database and Disaster Recovery When it comes to managing SQL Server, the master database stands out as one of the most critical system databases. It holds essential system-level data, including server-wide configurations and the existence of other databases. Given its importance, it’s understandable why any conversation about …

User Tables in the Master Database and Disaster Recovery Read More »

Here is a short video that I created explaining the difference between Push and Pull Replication. Watch it on YouTube. https://youtu.be/ykHsAHH-ggs?si=Msr4jRgeygOs3_Gq In SQL Server, the core difference between push and pull replication lies in where the replication jobs, specifically the Distribution Agent, are executed: push replication runs these jobs on the publisher or distributor, while pull Replication runs them on the subscriber. In push replication, the publisher actively manages the process, executing jobs to send data …

Video: Push vs Pull Replication Read More »

Understanding the Importance of TDE Certificate Backups in SQL Server This is just one of the many checks that our Daily Checkup and Quickscan Report from Stedman Solutions will report on. In SQL Server, Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is a valuable feature that provides encryption at the file level. It’s an essential tool for ensuring that your data is secure and inaccessible to unauthorized users, especially if the physical media is compromised. However, the power of …

Backing Up TDE Certificates Read More »

Identifying TempDB Bottlenecks with Database Health Monitor Reports SQL Server’s TempDB is a crucial system database that supports temporary storage needs for the SQL Server instance, including temporary tables, table variables, and work files necessary for sorting and query processing. However, TempDB can become a performance bottleneck if not properly managed, especially in high transaction environments. Fortunately, tools like the Database Health Monitor offer insightful reports, such as TempDB IO by Hour, TempDB Usage by Hour, …

Identifying TempDB Bottlenecks Read More »

Enhancing SQL Server Health with Database Health Monitor Alerting Overview Monitoring your SQL Server environment is essential for ensuring its optimal health and performance. The SQL Server Email Alerting feature in Database Health Monitor is a robust solution designed to keep you informed. By incorporating email notifications into your monitoring setup, this tool empowers you to address issues such as performance slowdowns, security threats, or other critical incidents proactively, before they escalate. With prompt alerts delivered …

Enhancing SQL Server Alerting Read More »

Some people say I am obsessed with Join Types, they may be right, you can decide. Todays featured join product is the Joins Shower Curtain. Joins Shower Curtain Start you day out right with a shower and learn some SQL Join Types while you are there. Shower Curtain Impress your friends, and improve your knowledge about joins with this shower curtain. Other Join Products Don’t miss out, get yours today! Coffee Mug Notebook Shower Curtain T-Shirts …

Learn SQL Joins In The Shower Read More »

Need help with this, Stedman Solutions can help. Find out how with a free no risk 30 minute consultation with Steve Stedman. First 5 Things to Check When Your SQL Server is Performing Slowly When your SQL Server begins to lag or perform poorly, it can be a significant hindrance to your business operations. Over my years of experience since 1990 with SQL Server, I’ve come across several common culprits that tend to affect performance. Here …

5 Things to Check When Your SQL Server is Performing Slowly Read More »

Stay Ahead: The Imperative of Keeping SQL Server Updated In the rapidly evolving world of technology, maintaining the currency of your software is not merely a matter of accessing the newest bells and whistles—it’s a foundational element of safeguarding your organization’s data integrity, security, and operational efficiency. This principle is nowhere more critical than in the realm of SQL Server management, a pivotal aspect of the data management strategy for countless enterprises. Through years of hands-on …

Stay Ahead: Keeping SQL Server Updated Read More »

Podcast: Tackling Schema Drift with Schema Drift from Stedman Solutions Alright, folks, let’s set the stage. Schema Drift is what happens when the structure of your databases—like tables, columns, indexes—starts to differ between environments that should be identical. Maybe a developer tweaks a table in dev but forgets to push it to production, or a hotfix in prod doesn’t make it back to test. Before you know it, your app’s querying a column that doesn’t exist, …

Comparing Databases with SchemaDrift Read More »

This is just one of the many checks that our Daily Checkup and Quickscan Report from Stedman Solutions will report on. It is not recommended to place user or DBA type tables into the Master Database. Understanding the Risks: User Tables in the Master Database and Disaster Recovery When it comes to managing SQL Server, the master database stands out as one of the most critical system databases. It holds essential system-level data, including server-wide configurations …

SQL Server User Tables in the Master Database Read More »

This is just one of the many checks that our Daily Checkup and Quickscan Report from Stedman Solutions will report on. Security Risks of SQL Server Agent Jobs at Startup Configuring SQL Server Agent jobs to execute automatically at startup introduces a range of security vulnerabilities and operational challenges that can compromise the integrity, availability, and performance of a SQL Server environment. While certain scenarios—such as replication setups or critical system maintenance tasks—may justify the use …

SQL Server Startup Jobs: Security Risks Read More »

SchemaDrift from Stedman Solutions is a specialized tool designed to track and monitor changes in your SQL Server database schemas over time. Whether it’s a table being altered, a stored procedure being modified, or an index being added or removed—SchemaDrift captures those changes and provides a clear, chronological log of what changed, when it changed, and who changed it (if available). This is critical for maintaining database integrity, auditing, troubleshooting, and ensuring your development, test, and …

History of SchemaDrift Read More »

Welcome to Stedman’s SQL School! In this video, we provide an in-depth overview of all the classes we offer to help you master SQL Server. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, our courses cover a wide range of topics tailored to enhance your SQL skills and knowledge. Watch this video by Steve Stedman to find out more. For additional informative videos, visit my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@SteveStedman. There, you’ll find a wide range …

Classes at Stedman SQL School Read More »

The Critical Importance of Good BACKUPs in SQL Server In the ever-evolving landscape of database management, the significance of maintaining robust, reliable, and well-tested backups cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a seasoned database administrator, a software developer, or a business owner overseeing critical systems, understanding and implementing a comprehensive backup strategy for your SQL Server environment is not merely a recommended best practice—it’s an absolute necessity. Backups serve as the cornerstone of data protection, ensuring your …

Critical Importance of Good Backups in SQL Server Read More »

Emergency Table-Level Restore: How Stedman Solutions’ Managed Services Can Save Your SQL Server This post was inspired by a text message from one of our managed services clients at 5am this morning. 26 minutes later we had their table fully restored, most of that time was running the actual restore. Just part of the support we provide to our managed services customers. Imagine it’s a busy day at the office, and suddenly, you’re notified that an …

Emergency Table-Level Restore Read More »

Managing a SQL Server environment is no small feat, particularly for organizations that lack the resources or expertise of a dedicated Database Administrator (DBA) team. When left unchecked, SQL Server challenges can snowball into crippling downtime, insidious data corruption, and persistent performance bottlenecks—all of which erode productivity and profitability. At Stedman Solutions, we deliver specialized SQL Server managed services tailored to keep your systems running seamlessly, securely, and at peak efficiency. Our proactive approach takes the …

Your SQL Server Needs Expert Managed Services Read More »

Are you ready to supercharge your SQL Server’s Performance? If so, you’re in luck! We’re thrilled to announce an exclusive limited-time offer on our comprehensive SQL Server Performance Tuning course, designed to equip database professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to optimize SQL Server Performance effectively. 11% OFF – Enroll Now at 11% off With Coupon Code PERF11 Enroll Now Why Performance Tuning Matters In the fast-paced, data-driven landscape of modern business, performance tuning has …

Unlock Peak Performance With our Performance Tuning Class Read More »

Understanding Merge Replication in SQL Server In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, businesses rely on data that’s both current and accessible, no matter where their teams or systems are located. Whether it’s a sales rep updating customer records in the field, a branch office managing local inventory, or a global enterprise syncing data across continents, keeping databases aligned is a critical challenge. SQL Server’s merge replication rises to this challenge, offering a robust and flexible solution for …

Merge Replication in SQL Server Read More »