How to use Database Compatibility to increase your migration success

Understanding SQL Server database compatibility levels helps in understanding risk in upgrades Read more →

How to check SSAS service status with Powershell

A DBA asked me how to view SSAS service status with Powershell Read more →

How to execute a SQL batch multiple times with GO

Question: I'd like to execute a batch sql statement through SQL Server management studio multiple times and avoid using a loop statement or other similar constructs . I'm doing some testing requiring multiple returns of recordsets and would like a simple approach - for ad hoc queries Answer: Looking at the SQL Server documentation for the sql server utility GO - indicates the syntax is GO [count]. This means the queries triggered as part of the batch executed will execute the amount of times listed after GO. By default it's 1 , but if you specify a positive integer -... Read more →

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 →

Troubleshooting SQL Server Database Mail not sending emails

Question: The Database Mail component is not send emails. The emails are registering – but remain in the “unsent” status. I’m running SQL Server 2016 . How can I troubleshoot this issue Answer: Here are some techniques to assist you in gathering information. I’ve experienced this problem a few times – always different reasons. --check database mail status sysmail_help_status_sp --delete mailitems DECLARE @GETDATE datetime SET @GETDATE = GETDATE(); EXECUTE msdb.dbo.sysmail_delete_mailitems_sp @sent_before = @GETDATE; --stop start database mail EXEC msdb.dbo.sysmail_stop_sp; EXEC msdb.dbo.sysmail_start_sp; --check status EXECUTE dbo.sysmail_help_status_sp --check items SELECT * FROM sysmail_allitems One problem I’ve experienced is a missing .Net 3.5... Read more →