SQL Server Blog Posts from Stedman Solutions
SQL Server Blog Posts
Welcome to the hub for all things SQL Server! Here, you’ll find the latest blog posts covering tips, tricks, and insights into SQL Server management, performance tuning, query optimization, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned database administrator or just starting your journey with SQL Server, our blog is packed with valuable content to help you tackle real-world challenges and improve your skills.
At Stedman Solutions, we’re passionate about SQL Server and dedicated to sharing knowledge gained from over three decades of experience. Our blog posts cover a range of topics, including resolving database corruption, enhancing query performance, understanding T-SQL techniques, and leveraging tools like Database Health Monitor. Each article is written with a practical focus, offering solutions and advice you can apply directly to your SQL Server environment.
Take a moment to explore the latest posts below. Whether you’re here to solve a specific problem, learn about a new feature, or stay updated on best practices, you’re in the right place. If you find a topic that resonates with your current challenges, be sure to dive in—and feel free to contact us if you need personalized assistance or want to learn more about our SQL Server services.
Latest SQL Server Blog Posts
- Who Gets SQL Server Email? Nobody Can Tell You
Who gets SQL Server email? Operators are only part of the answer. Learn how to find every address, the leavers and the dead mailboxes. - Ransomware attack and your backup and recovery plan
Recovering from a ransomware attack is a critical aspect of backup and recovery for SQL Server. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. Ransomware attacks can cause significant damage to your organization’s data, and recovering from these attacks can be challenging. To recover… Read More »Ransomware attack and your backup and recovery plan - Is This Index Still Used? Read the Trend, Not the Total
Is this index still used? A lifetime read count cannot say. Here is how a per-index trend line catches an index that went silent weeks ago. - Backup and Restore Course Overview
Our Backup and Restore Course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of SQL Server backup strategies, restoration processes, and best practices. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DBA, this course covers everything from simple database backups to advanced techniques like transaction log backups, point-in-time recovery, and disaster recovery planning. Learn how to… Read More »Backup and Restore Course Overview - Your SQL Server Maintenance Window Is a Guess. Measure It
Most SQL Server maintenance window schedules are typed in once and never checked. Here is how to measure the quiet hours instead of guessing at them. - Why Your SQL Server Backups Are More Crucial Than You Think: Lessons from the Frontlines
Hello everyone, today, I want to talk about something near and dear to my heart: SQL Server backups. Trust me when I say that having a reliable backup is the guardian angel you never knew you needed until disaster strikes. Here’s why. The Reality of Emergency SQL Server Responses At Stedman Solutions, a portion of… Read More »Why Your SQL Server Backups Are More Crucial Than You Think: Lessons from the Frontlines - Why Is One Execution Plan Slower Than Another?
Why is one execution plan slower than another for the same SQL Server query? See which Query Store measures explain the gap, not just duration. - How to Find Offline Database Files in SQL Server
See offline database files, growth settings, and volumes for every database on an instance, even ones that are offline, restoring, or suspect. - Recovering from a ransomware attackRecovering from a ransomware attack is a crucial aspect of backup and recovery for SQL Server, and it deserves a closer look. Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common and are a growing concern for many organizations. These attacks can cause significant damage to data, result in system downtime, and even disrupt business operations. Preventing ramsomware… Read More »Recovering from a ransomware attack
- Recovering from accidental data deletes
Our Backup and Restore Course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of SQL Server backup strategies, restoration processes, and best practices. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DBA, this course covers everything from simple database backups to advanced techniques like transaction log backups, point-in-time recovery, and disaster recovery planning. Learn how to… Read More »Recovering from accidental data deletes - A Password Protected SSIS Package Can Stall a Migration
A password protected SSIS package can stall a migration for days. Here is how to find every one hiding inside msdb first. - Why Your Management Data Warehouse Stopped Updating
A management data warehouse can stop updating while its Agent jobs still show green. Here’s where SQL Server keeps the real failure text. - What a SQL Server Index Health Score Really Tells You
SQL Server index health is more than a fragmentation percentage: one score with its reasons, backed by ten indexing reports rolled into cards. - SQL Server Index Fragmentation: Stop Chasing the Percent
SQL Server index fragmentation percentage can be misleading. Here is the number that actually predicts what a rebuild will buy you, and where to find it. - SQL Server LOB Columns in Indexes Are Costing You Disk
SQL Server LOB columns in indexes duplicate data on disk. Here’s how to find every one, measure the cost, and know which are safe to remove. - Database Health Monitor V4 Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 14Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 14 Database Health Monitor Version 4 Database Health Monitor Version 4 is here, and it’s one of the biggest updates we’ve ever made! In Season 3, Episode 14 of the Stedman SQL Podcast, Steve Stedman, George Stedman, and Mitchell Glasscock take a tour through what’s new in Database Health… Read More »Database Health Monitor V4 Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 14
- Backup and recovery for SQL Server
As a database professional, you know how critical it is to have a solid backup and recovery plan in place for your SQL Server environment. Whether you’re dealing with accidental data deletes, ransomware attacks, disk failures, or complete datacenter outages, having a well-planned backup and recovery strategy is essential to ensure that your organization can… Read More »Backup and recovery for SQL Server - Database Health Monitor Version 4 Has Been Released
We’re excited to announce that Database Health Monitor Version 4 is now available! Version 4 represents one of the biggest updates to Database Health Monitor since its original release. While the most obvious change is the completely redesigned interface, this release goes far beyond a visual refresh. We’ve rebuilt and improved nearly every part of… Read More »Database Health Monitor Version 4 Has Been Released - What SQL Server Suspect Pages Are Trying to Tell You
SQL Server suspect pages sit quietly in msdb until a disk finally fails. Learn what each event means and how to tell damage from a fix. - SQL Server Scalar UDF Inlining: Free Speed You’re Missing
SQL Server scalar UDF inlining can erase a function’s cost entirely, or it can silently never fire. Here is how to see which is true for yours. - Happy Labor Day
In observance of the US federal holiday Labor Day, Stedman Solutions, LLC will be closed for the first Monday in September. As the founder of Stedman Solutions, LLC, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Team members for everything they do every day. If you need emergency help during this… Read More »Happy Labor Day - How to Find Local SQL Server Instances Without Guessing
See how Database Health Monitor can find local SQL Server instances automatically, so you are not guessing a name during an incident. - Why Your SQL Server Alert History Is Full of Noise
Hundreds of alert emails don’t mean hundreds of problems. Learn to read SQL Server alert history before you touch a single threshold. - Reserved Versus Used Space: What Your Tables Hide
See reserved versus used space for every table in your database, and find exactly which one is wasting space you could reclaim today. - Backup and recovery relating to disk failure
Recovering from disk failure is a critical aspect of backup and recovery for SQL Server. A disk failure can occur due to a variety of reasons such as hardware failure, power outages, or natural disasters. When a disk failure occurs, it can result in data loss, system downtime, and even business disruption. To mitigate the… Read More »Backup and recovery relating to disk failure - How to Track SQL Server Table Size Before It Surprises You
See SQL Server table size ranked across every table, spot which ones dominate the database, and know before a restore or migration bites. - Find Patterns in Your SQL Server Blocking History
See your SQL Server blocking history as an hour-by-day heat map, so a recurring problem shows up as a pattern instead of a guess. - The Importance of SQL Server Backup and Recovery: Learn from Experts
In the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, “If You Fail to Plan, You Are Planning to Fail.” This timeless adage holds particular relevance when it comes to safeguarding your SQL Server databases. A failure to adequately prepare for data loss scenarios—be it due to hardware malfunctions, data corruption, or increasingly prevalent ransomware attacks—can have devastating… Read More »The Importance of SQL Server Backup and Recovery: Learn from Experts - SQL Server Waits by Query: Find What’s Actually Slow
See SQL Server waits by query, split into CPU time and wait categories, so you know whether to tune the query or fix what is blocking it. - A Sneak Peek at the Backup and Recovery Course
“Oh yes of course I have SQL Server backups” Take another look. Do they fit your needs? About 40% of new customers we meet do not have adequate backups for their business! That’s 1 in 3 companies! Insufficiently meeting the business needs, the consequences of inadequate database backups can be perilous. Failing to align backups… Read More »A Sneak Peek at the Backup and Recovery Course - September Promotion on my backup and recovery course.Hey there! Steve Stedman here, and I’m thrilled to announce a special sale on my Backup and Recovery Course for SQL Server! As a database professional, you understand the critical importance of having a solid backup and recovery plan. It’s the difference between a minor hiccup and a major catastrophe that could disrupt your entire… Read More »September Promotion on my backup and recovery course.
- Introducing SQL Server Mentoring: Your Shortcut to Expert Guidance
Hey there, Steve Stedman here, ready to share some exciting news with you. At Stedman Solutions, we understand that sometimes all you need is a little assistance without committing to a long-term arrangement. That’s why we’ve developed our SQL Server Mentoring service to cater specifically to your needs. SQL Server Mentoring is the perfect blend… Read More »Introducing SQL Server Mentoring: Your Shortcut to Expert Guidance - Logical Reads vs. Physical Reads
If you’ve spent time tuning SQL Server queries, you may have seen these two numbers side by side: logical reads and physical reads. Maybe you have seen one or the other be some absurdly high number and didn’t think much of it. But in reality they could be eye openers on behind the scenes query… Read More »Logical Reads vs. Physical Reads - LCK_M_RIn_S_LOW_PRIORITY Wait Type on SQL Server
Understanding the LCK_M_RIn_S_LOW_PRIORITY Wait Type in SQL Server In SQL Server, understanding wait types is crucial for diagnosing performance issues and improving database efficiency. One of the less commonly encountered wait types that can impact performance is LCK_M_RIn_S_LOW_PRIORITY. Let’s dive into what it means, the context in which it occurs, and how to mitigate this… Read More »LCK_M_RIn_S_LOW_PRIORITY Wait Type on SQL Server - August special – SQL Server Mentoring (and more)At Stedman Solutions, we strive to offer flexible consulting services to our clients, ranging from fixed-price projects to ongoing hourly work. Each approach caters to different needs, but today I want to shed light on one of our unique services that has proven particularly beneficial for our clients – our mentoring packages. Here’s how our… Read More »August special – SQL Server Mentoring (and more)
- SQL Server Database Health Monitor: Job History, Problem Indexes & Backup Reports
Features in Database Health Monitor: Job History, Problem Indexes, and Backup Reports Managing a SQL Server environment requires constant attention to job activity, index health, and backup reliability. Without clear visibility into these areas, DBAs can easily miss scheduling conflicts, inefficient index configurations, or gaps in protection that lead to larger issues later. Database Health… Read More »SQL Server Database Health Monitor: Job History, Problem Indexes & Backup Reports - Understanding Color Meanings in Database Health Monitor Charts for SQL Server Performance
Understand SQL Server performance with Database Health Monitor’s color-coded charts. Learn red, green, and blue meanings for efficient database health.alth Monitor tool transforms complex data into accessible insights through its intuitive use of color-coded charts. These visual cues allow database administrators to quickly identify issues, track improvements, and maintain optimal performance with minimal effort. Each… Read More »Understanding Color Meanings in Database Health Monitor Charts for SQL Server Performance - SQL Server Mentoring – We’ve got your back.
Hey there, it’s Steve Stedman from Stedman Solutions. I’m reaching out today because I understand that, at times, we could all use a guiding hand without necessarily tying ourselves down to a lengthy commitment. And that’s exactly why we’ve introduced our SQL Server Mentoring service. Think of SQL Server Mentoring as a pocket-sized consultant, ready… Read More »SQL Server Mentoring – We’ve got your back. - Expertise at Its Best: Unleashing the Power of our Experienced DBAs and Programmers
With a technical team of 5 people with well over 100 years of combined experience we are available to help with your next project. Our team of highly experienced Database Administrators (DBAs) and programmers is uniquely qualified to support and elevate your projects. They bring an array of expertise to the table, each with their… Read More »Expertise at Its Best: Unleashing the Power of our Experienced DBAs and Programmers - How to Select the Best SQL Server Performance Tuning Consultant
How to Choose a SQL Server Performance Tuning Consultant When your SQL Server starts to lag, with queries taking longer than expected or applications grinding to a halt, it’s a clear sign that Performance Tuning is needed. Hiring a SQL Server Performance Tuning consultant can be a game-changer, transforming your sluggish database into a high-performing… Read More »How to Select the Best SQL Server Performance Tuning Consultant - Master Your SQL Projects with Stedman Solutions SQL Server Mentoring
Whether you’re diving into an exciting new SQL project or struggling with ongoing ones, there’s one resource that can provide the support you need to drive your project to successful completion—Stedman Solutions’ SQL Server Mentoring. We are here to offer unmatched expertise and insights, helping you navigate the challenging landscape of SQL Server with ease.… Read More »Master Your SQL Projects with Stedman Solutions SQL Server Mentoring - Exclusive SQL Performance Tuning TrainingSteve and the team at Stedman Solutions, LLC have put together an email based performance tuning course where each week you can get tips and tricks to get more performance out of your SQL Server. Become part of this exclusive group of subscribers learning to put the horse power back into their SQL Server. What… Read More »Exclusive SQL Performance Tuning Training
- The Time-Saving Power of Line Numbers in SQL Server Management Studio
The Time-Saving Power of Line Numbers in SQL Server Management Studio The Time-Saving Power of Line Numbers in SQL Server Management Studio When working with SQL Server, small adjustments in your environment can lead to big improvements in productivity. One feature that often goes unnoticed in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the use of… Read More »The Time-Saving Power of Line Numbers in SQL Server Management Studio - What’s New in Database Health Monitor – August 2026 ReleaseVersion 1458 is now available. The headline addition is the new tray icon and Windows service, which lets you set up historic monitoring on servers where SQL Server Agent isn’t available to schedule the collection. Alongside that, there’s a new least-privilege role for granting access to monitoring data without granting sysadmin, several alerting enhancements, new… Read More »What’s New in Database Health Monitor – August 2026 Release
- Stedman Solutions, LLC Presents: The August Special on SQL Server MentoringWe are excited to announce our August special promotion tailor-made for those looking to hone their SQL skills and ensure their SQL servers operate at peak efficiency. Here’s the deal: When you sign up for our 4 or 8-hour SQL Server Mentoring program, you won’t just benefit from our comprehensive guidance and expertise. As a… Read More »Stedman Solutions, LLC Presents: The August Special on SQL Server Mentoring
- Exploring AI Tools for SQL Server Work
Exploring AI Tools for SQL Server Work AI is everywhere right now, and there are a lot of interesting developments happening in this space. Tools like GROK, ChatGPT, and Copilot are making their way into the daily workflows of developers and DBAs. Each has its strengths, and depending on how you work, one might be… Read More »Exploring AI Tools for SQL Server Work - Proactively Manage SQL Server Disk Space with the New Disk Space Forecast Report in Database Health Monitor
Disk Space Forecast Report: Proactively Manage SQL Server Disk Space in Database Health Monitor As SQL Server DBAs, one of the most stressful surprises is a sudden “out of disk space” error, especially in production environments where backups, logs, and data growth can quickly fill drives. That’s why the Disk Space Forecast Report in Database… Read More »Proactively Manage SQL Server Disk Space with the New Disk Space Forecast Report in Database Health Monitor - Join Types Poster
I have been getting a lot of good feedback on twitter lately about the JOIN Types poster. Hi, Steve Stedman here, and I want to share with you a poster that I have created that provides a visual representation of the different join types in SQL Server. The poster is available at https://stedman.us/largePoster, and it… Read More »Join Types Poster - Exclusive SQL Performance Tuning TrainingSteve and the team at Stedman Solutions, LLC have put together an email based performance tuning course where each week you can get tips and tricks to get more performance out of your SQL Server. Become part of this exclusive group of subscribers learning to put the horse power back into their SQL Server. What… Read More »Exclusive SQL Performance Tuning Training
- Need some help? We provide mentoring
Do you aspire to refine your SQL Server abilities and elevate your professional standing? Your search ends here! Stedman Solutions’ SQL Server Mentoring offers an ideal solution for IT specialists keen on advancing their skillset. Our mentoring program is characterized by its personalized, interactive nature, ensuring you receive tailored guidance and support to maximize your… Read More »Need some help? We provide mentoring - SQL Server MAXDOP Settings: Recommended Configurations and Best Practices
Proper configuration of the Max Degree of Parallelism setting remains one of the most impactful yet frequently overlooked aspects of SQL Server performance tuning. This server-level option directly influences how queries are distributed across available processors, affecting everything from response times on large analytical workloads to overall throughput in busy transactional environments. Understanding its behavior… Read More »SQL Server MAXDOP Settings: Recommended Configurations and Best Practices - August Promotion Mentoring includes Free Daily Monitoring
For the month of August we are running a promotion. When you purchase a 4 or 8 hour mentoring block with Stedman Solutions, you will receive 6 months of our Daily Monitoring product for free. The monitoring is over a $600 value. As an IT professional working on SQL projects, you may occasionally find yourself… Read More »August Promotion Mentoring includes Free Daily Monitoring - SQL Code Smells: Non-Parameterized Queries
Your SQL Server is running hot. CPU is elevated, the plan cache is bloated, and queries that should be instant are taking seconds. You look at the query text and everything seems reasonable. The problem is not what the queries are doing. It is how they are being sent. Non-parameterized queries are one of the… Read More »SQL Code Smells: Non-Parameterized Queries - 5 Things Every Junior DBA Should Know Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12
Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 13 5 Things Every Junior DBA Should Know In this episode, Mitchell Glasscock and George Stedman discuss the situations they have been faced with starting as Junior DBA’s and gaining knowledge and tips over the years. They explain the top 5 tips and tricks to make sure you don’t… Read More »5 Things Every Junior DBA Should Know Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12 - Table Use Report in Database Health
July is Database Health Monitor Month! July has arrived, and it’s time to turn our attention to the heartbeat of our digital world – our databases! As the founder of Database Health and Stedman Solutions, I’m thrilled to proclaim this month as Database Health Monitor Month! This is our annual chance to celebrate the unsung… Read More »Table Use Report in Database Health - The Feature That Prevents 2 AM Calls: How Database Health Monitor Forecasts Disk Capacity Problems Weeks in AdvanceDisk space exhaustion is one of the most preventable SQL Server emergencies in existence. Unlike hardware failures or unexpected query plan changes, disk space issues develop on a predictable trajectory. Databases grow. Log files accumulate. The available space decreases at a rate that is measurable, trackable, and extrapolatable into the future. There is no reason… Read More »The Feature That Prevents 2 AM Calls: How Database Health Monitor Forecasts Disk Capacity Problems Weeks in Advance
- Download Free Database Health Monitor for SQL Server Trial
The Database Health Monitor for SQL Server is available for download on our website, and the best part is that it’s a free trial ! The free download provides access to all the core features of the tool, including real-time monitoring, customizable dashboard, alerting system, and reporting capabilities. Download Today! The Database Health Monitor offers… Read More »Download Free Database Health Monitor for SQL Server Trial - Monitor Wait Statistics and Blocking Queries for Better Database Performance
Effective database performance often hinges on identifying and addressing the hidden delays that impact query execution. Wait statistics and blocking queries represent two of the most common yet overlooked sources of slowdowns, where resource contention can cascade into broader system inefficiencies if left unchecked. Database Health Monitor provides targeted visibility into these areas, enabling administrators… Read More »Monitor Wait Statistics and Blocking Queries for Better Database Performance - SQL Server Database Health Monitor: Optimize Performance & Prevent Issues
SQL Server is the backbone of many critical business applications, and ensuring its performance and reliability is a top priority for database administrators. However, identifying potential issues before they escalate into major problems can be a daunting task without the right tools. That’s where a robust solution like the Database Health Monitor comes in, offering… Read More »SQL Server Database Health Monitor: Optimize Performance & Prevent Issues - Database Health Features
July is Database Health Monitor Month! July has arrived, and it’s time to turn our attention to the heartbeat of our digital world – our databases! As the founder of Database Health and Stedman Solutions, I’m thrilled to proclaim this month as Database Health Monitor Month! This is our annual chance to celebrate the unsung… Read More »Database Health Features - Load Testing with Query Loading Ramp Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12
Load Testing with Query Loading Ramp Stedman SQL Podcast SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12 Steve Stedman and Mitchell Glasscock discuss the Query Loading Ramp feature of Database Health Monitor, a tool for load testing SQL queries. They demonstrate running a load test with 400 sessions, simulating real-world traffic, and identify performance issues. The test… Read More »Load Testing with Query Loading Ramp Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12 - The Hidden Danger of Missing Primary Keys in SQL Server
The Hidden Danger of Missing Primary Keys in SQL Server One of the most overlooked issues in SQL Server databases is missing primary keys. You might be surprised at how often I come across production databases—sometimes mission-critical ones—where tables don’t have a primary key defined. At first glance, this may seem like a minor oversight,… Read More »The Hidden Danger of Missing Primary Keys in SQL Server - Detecting Failing Database Health Monitor Jobs in SQL Server
Catching Failing Database Health Monitor Jobs with Check 239 Catching Failing Database Health Monitor Jobs with Check 239 One of the most valuable aspects of Database Health Monitor is its ability to watch for issues that might otherwise go unnoticed until they become much larger problems. Check 239 is a great example of this proactive… Read More »Detecting Failing Database Health Monitor Jobs in SQL Server - How UPDLOCK in SELECT Statements Causes SQL Server Performance Issues and Blocking
When working with SQL Server, subtle misconfigurations can lead to significant performance challenges. One such issue arises from the misuse of the UPDLOCK hint hint in SELECT statements, which can cause excessive wait times and blocking. While update locks are designed to protect data integrity during UPDATE operations, applying them to SELECT queries can inadvertently… Read More »How UPDLOCK in SELECT Statements Causes SQL Server Performance Issues and Blocking - 7 SQL Server Issues Keeping IT Managers Awake at Night (And How to Fix Them)
As an IT manager, the demands of maintaining a reliable database environment often extend far beyond standard working hours, particularly when critical business applications depend on SQL Server. Even with established processes in place, underlying issues can develop without immediate visibility, leaving leaders to wonder about the stability of systems that support daily operations. Proactive… Read More »7 SQL Server Issues Keeping IT Managers Awake at Night (And How to Fix Them) - Optimize SQL Server Performance with Database Health Monitor ToolkitManaging SQL Database Efficiency can often feel like navigating a complex maze, especially when dealing with large datasets and high transaction volumes. As a DBA or developer, you know that even minor inefficiencies can lead to significant slowdowns, frustrated users, and costly downtime. The key to maintaining a healthy database environment lies in having the… Read More »Optimize SQL Server Performance with Database Health Monitor Toolkit
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for exploring our SQL Server blog! We’re committed to providing fresh, relevant, and actionable content to help you navigate the complexities of SQL Server. From troubleshooting performance issues to mastering advanced features, our articles are designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to succeed. Whether you’re solving a specific problem or expanding your expertise, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
SQL Server is constantly evolving, and so are the challenges and opportunities that come with managing it. That’s why we frequently update our blog with new posts, insights, and tutorials. By staying engaged with our latest articles, you’ll gain an edge in understanding new features, identifying best practices, and applying innovative solutions in your SQL Server environment. We aim to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.
If you’ve found value in the content here, be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly. With each new post, we strive to address the topics that matter most to SQL Server professionals, based on the real-world scenarios we encounter every day. Our goal is to create a resource you can rely on for timely, trustworthy, and practical SQL Server advice.
Don’t miss out on future updates! Whether it’s an in-depth guide, a quick tip, or a thought-provoking perspective, there’s always something new to discover. And if you have specific topics you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear from you. Keep checking back, and let us help you make the most of your SQL Server journey.