How to uninstall a SQL Server 2016 Cumulative Update

Question: A server experienced a few problems after the installation of a SQL Server 2016 Cumulative Update. As part of the troubleshooting process, I'd like to rollback the cumulative update and rule out any issues related to the Cumulative update. How can I uninstall the cumulative update? Answer: Uninstalling the cumulative update in SQL Server 2016 is straightforward. I've copied an pasted these 3 steps straight from the Microsoft website In Control Panel, select View installed updates under Programs and Features. Locate the entry that corresponds to this cumulative update package under Microsoft SQL Server 2016. Press and hold (or... Read more →

How to fix Powershell Execution Timeout Expired with CommandTimeout

Question: I'm getting this Execution timeout error when executing a Powershell script using the $sql.ExecuteReader() method. How can I fix this issue? Exception calling "ExecuteReader" with "0" argument(s): "Execution Timeout Expired. The timeout period elapsed prior to completion of the operation or the server is not responding." Answer: To overcome this issue - use the CommandTimeout parameter and set to a value of 0. This will make it infinite. So it would be something like : $cn = new-object System.Data.SqlClient.SqlConnection "server=myInstance;database=master;Integrated Security=sspi" $cn.Open() $cn.CreateCommand() $sql.CommandText $sql.CommandTimeout=0 $sql.CommandTimeout=0 $sql.ExecuteReader() Read More on Powerhsell and connecting to SQL Server Powershell - run... Read more →

How to get SQL Server database object count using Powershell Measure-Object

Question: How can I iterate through a list of SQL Servers , extract the count of the databases , place into a powershell data table and get the database count sum for all the servers? I'm having some trouble thinking about how to add up the counts from the individual servers into a total count , using powershell functions. Answer: This basic powershell script will give you the basic framework. This script iterates through a list of SQL Servers - listed in the file referenced in the $instancepath. The results of the command executed are added to the DataTable .... Read more →

Powershell script for unattended install of SQL Server standard patches

Question: Do you have a powershell script allowing me to dynamically create a drive - pointing to a network share , and then start an unattended install of SQL Server patching? I'll afdapt the script to drop onto a server and execute according to schedule . Answer: Here is an example of powershell script that applies SQL Server 2016 SP2 CU7 , although you can apply the same framework for other patching . Some key points to note: 1) Replace "my_path" with the network path . The drive is added by use of the PS-Drive cmdlet. If you want to... Read more →

Powershell assign a drive and mount point

Question: What are the powershell commands to create to ASSIGN a drive letter and then create a MOUNT POINT? Answer: These powershell command examples will assign a drive letter and then create a mount point. You'll need to first know the Disk ID and also decide on the drive letter you need to assign If you want to create a mount point , then use the MOUNT POINT section If the intention is to automate the assigning of drive letters to new partitions , and also dynamically identify the diskid than you'll need to wrap some extra code around these... Read more →