Category: Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server Blog which includes troubleshooting, performance tuning, and database administration guides from an experienced SQL DBA, Peter Whyte.


  • Setting Maximum Database File Sizes in SQL Server

    This post shares how to set maximum database file sizes in SQL Server, capping your database file size limits for proper disk space management. Configuring maximum database file sizes in SQL Server is often considered a safeguard or tactical measure rather than a primary strategy. Ideally, you want…

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  • How to Move Temp DB Files in SQL Server

    It’s a solid best practice to store temp db files on a separate drive, away from your C: drive. This is because temp db can grow very large, very quickly, sometimes within minutes depending on workloads. This growth affects both the temp db data (.ndf) and log (.ldf)…

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  • SSMS Import Flat File Feature

    The Import Flat File feature in SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) was introduced in December 2017 (14.0.17213.0). This is a streamlined version of the Import Data feature and it minimizes the user intervention during a file import. Unlike the Import and Export Data Feature, you don’t have the…

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  • Attaching SQL Databases Without Log Files

    In a perfect world, you’d never lose a database log file. But when the unexpected happens and you urgently need the data from a database, knowing how to attach a SQL Server database without its log (.ldf) file can be a lifesaver. This guide walks you through the…

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  • SQL Server Backup & Restore WITH FILE Option

    When you back up a SQL Server database, multiple backups can be stored in a single file. The WITH FILE = X option allows you to choose a specific backup version from a single backup file. Here’s what happens: – WITH FILE = 1: Restores the first backup…

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  • Applying Data Retention to a SQL Table

    In SQL Server, there’s often a need to delete old data from a database table. This could be for reasons like adhering to GDPR policies, managing oversized tables that are slowing down operations, staying within SQL Server Express’s 10GB limit, or simply cleaning up application logs and errors.…

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  • How to Change Connection Colours in SSMS

    SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the go-to tool for running SQL Server queries. One of its handy features is the ability to change the colour of the query banner, providing a visual indicator of the server environment you are connected to. This feature can be especially beneficial…

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  • Exporting SQL Server Query Results to CSV

    This guide explains how to export a SQL Server query results to a CSV file using SSMS. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the primary tool used for managing SQL Server databases and running queries. By default, SSMS exports data in a column-aligned format, but to export data…

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  • How to Quickly Get Table Sizes in SQL Server

    Monitoring table sizes in SQL Server is crucial for effective database management. For a detailed guide covering various methods, including built-in reports and custom scripts, please refer to my latest article on this: How to Check Table Sizes in SQL Server. In this guide, we’ll show a few…

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