Blog Posts

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 …

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The Importance of Comparing Database Schemas in SQL Server and How SchemaDrift Helps In the world of SQL Server management, keeping your databases in sync is a bit like herding cats—tricky, but essential. One of the most critical yet often overlooked tasks is comparing database schemas across environments like development, testing, and production. Schema drift—when these schemas diverge unexpectedly—can lead to application failures, deployment headaches, and data inconsistencies. Enter SchemaDrift from Stedman Solutions LLC, a free …

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Identifying TempDB Bottlenecks with Database Health Monitor Reports SQL Server relies heavily on its TempDB system database, a shared resource that manages temporary storage for the entire instance. This includes user-created objects like temporary tables and table variables, as well as internal needs such as sorting, hashing, and row versioning for features like snapshot isolation. While TempDB is essential, it can become a performance bottleneck in high-transaction environments if it’s not properly managed or resourced. Overloaded …

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Steve Stedman here from Stedman Solutions, LLC. If you’ve ever grappled with the complexities of SQL join types, I’ve got something exciting for you. We’re offering a FREE downloadable poster that breaks down the intricacies of SQL joins into an easy-to-understand format. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned professionals looking to refine their skills. A Detailed Look at My Free Joins Type Poster Imagine a vibrant, informative poster hanging on your office wall, designed to …

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Need help with this, Stedman Solutions can help. Find out how with a free no risk 30 minute consultation with Steve Stedman. 3 Essential Checks for Diagnosing a Slow SQL Server Is your SQL Server running slower than usual? Pinpointing the cause of performance issues can feel overwhelming, especially with so many factors at play. Before diving into advanced troubleshooting or rewriting your entire database schema, start with three fundamental checks. These areas—hardware resources, process bottlenecks, …

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Replication in SQL Server is a powerful feature that allows you to copy and distribute data and database objects from one database to another and keep them synchronized. This is especially useful for scenarios like load balancing, high availability, or geographically distributed databases. Understanding the types of Replication available in SQL Server is crucial for choosing the right method to fit your specific needs. In this post, we’ll explore the three primary types of replication in …

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How Critical Is Your SQL Server Performance? Understanding the Impact of Slowdowns When it comes to managing SQL Server, performance isn’t just a number on a dashboard—it’s the heartbeat of your organization’s data-driven operations. Having spent years immersed in the intricacies of SQL Server environments, I’ve seen how peak performance can propel businesses forward, streamlining processes and empowering decisions. But I’ve also seen the flip side: the chaos and frustration that erupt when slowdowns take hold. …

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Three Fantastic Ways to Master SQL Server Join Types Hey there, SQL enthusiasts and database professionals! It’s Steve Stedman from Stedman Solutions, LLC. Today, I’m excited to share with you three incredible ways to enhance your understanding of SQL Server join types. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to polish your skills, we’ve got something just for you! 1. Grab Your Free Join Types Poster First up, we’re offering a FREE downloadable poster that visually breaks …

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I just wanted to let you know that the deadlock tracking has been extremely useful in tracking down issues. Without the tools, it’s was easy to see that one side of the process would fail occasionally, but it was hard to see what process won the deadlock. This is a gamechanger for me. I just wanted to say thanks to you and the team for adding this functionality. Eric – Database Health Monitor User Deadlock Tracking …

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Understanding the Quick Scan Report: Backup to NUL The Hidden Risks of SQL Server Backups: Beyond the Basics When it comes to managing SQL Servers, backups are a cornerstone of data protection—but their effectiveness hinges on more than just their existence. Too often, administrators focus solely on scheduling backups without delving into the critical details that determine their reliability. One such overlooked yet perilous practice is backing up to a NUL device. While this technique has …

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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. The Risks of Storing User Tables in MSDB: Insights from Database Health Monitor Managing SQL Server effectively requires following best practices and avoiding common pitfalls that can impact performance, security, and maintenance. One often-overlooked issue is the practice of storing user tables in the MSDB database. While it may seem convenient at first, …

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Common Uses of TempDB in SQL Server TempDB is one of the most critical system databases in SQL Server. It serves as a globally available, temporary storage area used by the SQL Server Database Engine for various operations. Unlike other databases, TempDB is recreated each time SQL Server restarts, ensuring that no persistent data is stored. Due to its frequent and intensive use, TempDB performance is crucial to overall SQL Server Performance. Below are the most …

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Tidying Up Your SQL Server: Removing Leftover DTA Tables SQL Server administrators and developers often use the Microsoft Database Tuning Advisor (DTA) to analyze and enhance database performance. While DTA is an effective tool, it tends to leave behind monitoring tables in the msdb database after its use. Why Do These Tables Exist? When you run the Database Tuning Advisor, it creates temporary tables to store analysis data. If DTA doesn’t clean up properly due to …

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Mastering SQL Server Performance: The Power of Cost Threshold for Parallelism In the intricate dance of SQL Server performance tuning, few settings wield as much influence as the Cost Threshold for Parallelism (CTFP). This unassuming configuration parameter is a linchpin in determining how SQL Server harnesses the power of parallel query execution—spreading workloads across multiple CPU cores to boost speed. But like any powerful tool, it’s a double-edged sword: wield it wisely, and you unlock blazing …

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Understanding the LOGMGR_RESERVE_APPEND Wait Type in SQL Server Need help with this wait type or others, Stedman Solutions can help. Find out how with a free no risk 30 minute consultation with Steve Stedman. Understanding the SQL Server LOGMGR_RESERVE_APPEND Wait Type In SQL Server, the LOGMGR_RESERVE_APPEND wait type occurs when a thread is waiting to reserve space in the transaction log before writing a new log record. Since the transaction log plays a crucial role in …

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At Stedman Solutions, we understand the challenges that come with managing SQL Server databases. Whether it’s query optimization, Performance Tuning, or Disaster Recovery, we’ve seen it all. That’s why we created the Stedman SQL Server Podcast—a resource for database professionals looking to improve their SQL Server environments. One of Our Most Popular Episodes: Indexing for Performance One of our most popular episodes, Season 2, Episode 4: Indexing for Performance, has resonated with listeners. In this episode, …

The Stedman SQL Server Podcast: A Deep Dive into SQL Server Performance Read More »

Deadlocks in SQL Server can cause serious performance issues, impacting transactions and slowing down applications. To help database administrators gain deeper insights into deadlocks and resolve them more effectively, Database Health Monitor includes six powerful reports focused on deadlock analysis. These reports provide a server-wide view, per-database breakdowns, historical trends, and object-level details, making it easier to diagnose and prevent deadlocks. 1. Instance Deadlock History Report View Report This report offers a historical overview of all …

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Discovering the Hidden Impact of Large SQL Server Error Log Files: Insights from Stedman Solutions Author: Steve Stedman, Stedman Solutions, LLC In the realm of SQL Server Performance tuning and maintenance, one often overlooked aspect is the size of the SQL Server error log files. These files, although crucial for diagnostics and troubleshooting, can grow unexpectedly large, impacting the overall performance and reliability of your SQL Server instance. At Stedman Solutions, we’ve discovered through our extensive …

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Monitoring long-running queries is an essential part of database performance monitoring, as it can help identify queries that are causing performance issues and take corrective action to optimize them. The Database Health Monitor for SQL Server provides insights into long-running queries, enabling you to identify performance bottlenecks and optimize query execution. Blocking Query Monitor: Identifying Performance Bottlenecks in Real-Time One of the primary ways Database Health Monitor tracks long-running queries is through its Blocking Query Monitor. …

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Understanding the PREEMPTIVE_OS_CRYPTIMPORTKEY Wait Type in SQL Server Need help with this wait type or others, Stedman Solutions can help. Find out how with a free no risk 30 minute consultation with Steve Stedman. SQL Server uses a wide variety of wait types to track what a query is waiting on before it can continue executing. One of these wait types, PREEMPTIVE_OS_CRYPTIMPORTKEY, can be challenging to understand and troubleshoot. This discussion will provide a deep dive …

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Here is a short video on managing VLFs Best Practices Best Practices for Managing VLFs Preallocate Log File Size: Instead of allowing SQL Server to expand the log file in small increments, preallocate a sufficient log file size to minimize growth events. Use Larger Growth Increments: Set the log file growth increment to a reasonable value (e.g., 512 MB or more) to avoid creating too many VLFs during growth. Monitor Regularly: Use the VLF Report in …

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The Queries Needing Params Advisor shows you a list of the queries that are simliar The Value of Parameterized Queries in SQL Server Parameterized queries are a crucial best practice in SQL Server development. They offer several advantages, including security, performance, and maintainability. Let’s break down the key benefits: 1. SQL Injection Prevention One of the biggest risks in SQL Server is SQL injection, where an attacker manipulates input data to execute unintended SQL commands. Parameterized queries help …

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SQL Server Assessment: The Importance of Monitoring TempDB Growth As a seasoned expert in SQL Server since 1990, specializing in Performance Tuning, I’ve seen firsthand how unchecked TempDB growth can wreak havoc on SQL Server Performance. Monitoring TempDB growth isn’t just a best practice—it’s essential. That’s why it’s one of the 150+ standard checks we perform at Stedman Solutions during our comprehensive SQL Server assessments. Why Monitoring TempDB Growth Matters TempDB is a system database that …

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When managing multiple SQL Server instances, database integrity is a top priority. Corruption issues can sneak up unexpectedly, leading to downtime, data loss, or performance problems. One of the most critical SQL Server maintenance tasks is running DBCC CHECKDB, which checks for corruption in your databases. However, running DBCC CHECKDB manually across multiple servers can be tedious and time-consuming. This is where Database Health Monitor comes in—offering a centralized view of DBCC CHECKDB reports across all …

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Here is a short video on managing VLFs on SQL Server https://youtu.be/VjsgTWkws8M?si=ywngDBtdL9uE2i0X Best Practices for Managing VLFs Preallocate Log File Size: Instead of allowing SQL Server to expand the log file in small increments, preallocate a sufficient log file size to minimize growth events. Use Larger Growth Increments: Set the log file growth increment to a reasonable value (e.g., 512 MB or more) to avoid creating too many VLFs during growth. Monitor Regularly: Use the VLF …

What are VLFs and why should you care Read More »

Here is a short video on managing VLFs on SQL Server https://youtu.be/VjsgTWkws8M?si=ywngDBtdL9uE2i0X Best Practices for Managing VLFs Preallocate Log File Size: Instead of allowing SQL Server to expand the log file in small increments, preallocate a sufficient log file size to minimize growth events. Use Larger Growth Increments: Set the log file growth increment to a reasonable value (e.g., 512 MB or more) to avoid creating too many VLFs during growth. Monitor Regularly: Use the VLF …

What are VLFs and why should you care Read More »

Understanding SQL Server CPU Utilization with Database Health Monitor Monitoring your SQL Server’s CPU usage is a critical aspect of maintaining a well-performing and reliable database environment. One common challenge for database administrators (DBAs) is pinpointing times of peak CPU activity and identifying the workloads contributing to high usage. This is where Database Health Monitor, a free tool from Stedman Solutions, comes to the rescue with features like the CPU by Hour report. What is the …

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Here is a short video with an overview of SchemaDrift and how to get started comparing SQL Server Databases. The latest update of Database Health Monitor includes SchemaDrift for comparing databases. Steve Stedman here to talk about SchemaDrift and how we can use SchemaDrift to go and compare database schemas and find differences in your database. SchemaDrift is a program created by Stedman Solutions. This is something we’ve had internally in beta for a couple of …

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SQL Server errors 823, 824, and 825 are critical indicators that your system is having trouble accessing data in your database files. These errors often point to underlying issues with disk I/O, hardware, or storage subsystems, and can range from transient problems to signs of serious corruption. Understanding these errors, their causes, and how to address them is crucial for maintaining a stable and reliable SQL Server environment. SQL Server Error 823: The Operating System Returned …

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Index maintenance is an essential part of SQL Server performance tuning, but it needs to be performed carefully to avoid negative impacts on your production environment. Rebuilding or reorganizing indexes during the day, when your database is under heavy usage, can lead to serious issues, including degraded performance, contention, and even application timeouts. Let’s dive into the reasons why this task is best scheduled during maintenance windows or low-usage periods. 1. Performance Impact on Query Execution …

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Ensuring Data Security with Stedman Solutions SQL Server Managed Services: Solid Backups and Restores In today’s data-driven world, the integrity and availability of data are paramount. For businesses relying on SQL Server for their critical data storage and management, ensuring solid backups and reliable restores is not just an option, it’s a necessity. This is where Stedman Solutions’ SQL Server Managed Services shine, offering comprehensive coverage to protect your data with robust backup and restore strategies. …

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The Power of Proactive Monitoring in a World of Constant Change As the world continually evolves, the need for robust and proactive solutions in the realm of IT managed services becomes ever more critical. In an environment where a single change can have cascading effects, businesses cannot afford to be reactive. This is where Stedman Solutions steps in with its cutting-edge managed services offering, featuring the daily checkup monitor – a tool designed to catch changes …

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In the world of database management, maintaining optimal performance is an ongoing challenge. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the management of indexes. While indexes can significantly enhance query performance, having too many of them can lead to issues when it comes to inserts, updates, and deletes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the delicate balance of index management and discuss strategies to identify and remove unnecessary indexes without compromising system stability. The Dilemma …

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Managing a SQL Server environment extends beyond routine maintenance. It demands a proactive strategy for optimal performance and reliability. A pivotal element of this approach is the thorough SQL Server Health Assessment, focusing on monitoring and alerts for specific errors and severity levels. Understanding the Need for Alerts Alerts for severity levels 19 to 25 and errors 823, 824, and 825 are crucial in your SQL Server Health Assessment. These represent serious system issues. Severity levels …

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Understanding the GFS BACKUP Schedule and How It Can Work with SQL Server When managing SQL Server databases, having a robust backup strategy is crucial. While SQL Server offers built-in tools for backups, leveraging a Grandfather-Father-Son (GFS) backup schedule can significantly enhance your backup strategy by providing a layered approach to data retention and recovery. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the GFS backup schedule works, why it’s an excellent fit for SQL Server environments, …

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The PRINT_ROLLBACK_PROGRESS Wait Type in SQL Server Need help with this wait type or others, Stedman Solutions can help. Find out how with a free no risk 30 minute consultation with Steve Stedman. The SQL Server PRINT_ROLLBACK_PROGRESS wait type is an indicator that a thread is waiting for a rollback operation to complete. Rollbacks occur when a transaction is terminated prematurely, either due to an explicit cancellation by the user, a timeout, or an error that …

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The Data Aggregation Class offered by Stedman Solutions, LLC is designed to teach database professionals how to efficiently collect, summarize, and present data using SQL Server. This class focuses on techniques that enable you to extract valuable insights from your data, whether for reporting, analysis, or decision-making. What You’ll Learn: How to use aggregate functions like SUM(), AVG(), COUNT(), MIN(), and MAX(). Writing advanced aggregation queries using GROUP BY and HAVING clauses. Techniques for creating rolling …

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SQL Clustered vs Nonclustered Index: Understanding the Difference Indexes are one of the most important features in SQL Server, and they play a significant role in database performance optimization. However, understanding the difference between clustered and nonclustered indexes is essential to making the right design decisions for your database. Both serve different purposes and have unique advantages and use cases. At Stedman Solutions, LLC, we’ve helped many clients optimize their SQL Server environments, often by making …

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