Make SQL Server Database Restores Easy With sp_DatabaseRestore

easy sql server database restores

If you’ve read the Straight Path blog for any period of time, you’ve probably noticed more than a few posts about database backups. You may have also noticed we’re big fans of the Ola Hallengren Maintenance Solution for backups, which creates stored procedures and jobs to handle your regular backups. These scripts and jobs are … Read more

7 Common SQL Server Transaction Log Myths

sql server transaction log myths

SQL Server is a complicated piece of software, so it’s understandable that some of us have some misconceptions about what the transaction log is and what it does. This post is designed to not just tell you about these myths, but also to show you a few ways how to prove (or rather disprove) some … Read more

10 Free SQL Server Resources We Love

free sql server resources

Featured image photo by Susan Holt Simpson on Unsplash Everybody loves freebies, and the SQL Server community is full of them. Free scripts, stored procedures, blog posts, books, and helpful advice from some of the smartest minds are all available to you right now. So whether you’re just starting your career as a Database Administrator … Read more

5 common SQL Server Problems to Troubleshoot with sp_WhoIsActive

If there were a Mount Rushmore of SQL Server community tools, Adam Machanic would have to be one of the four faces. You may not know his name, but you more than likely know the free troubleshooting tool he created over a decade ago: sp_WhoIsActive. The beauty of WhoIsActive is in its simplicity. Install this … Read more

6 Common Mistakes Made With SQL Server Backups

6 Common Mistakes Made With SQL Server Backups

People are always saying things about the importance of data, like how it is the lifeblood of a business. It sounds cliché, but there’s a lot of truth to that. You and I can’t survive without any blood, and there’s a good chance your business wouldn’t exist for long if they suddenly lost all their … Read more

6 Common Pitfalls of SQL Server Migrations and Upgrades

common sql server migration pitfalls

If you’ve ever tried migrating a SQL Server database from one server to another, you know it can be a white-knuckle ride from start to finish. You need to wait forever while you backup and restore, change all your connection strings to point to the new server, and forget to change the data sources for … Read more

How to Save Money on SQL Server Licensing by Upgrading

If you have SQL Server instances that are out of support, which is any version prior to SQL Server 2014, then I’m sure you have your reasons for not upgrading to a newer version. Let’s take a quick look at those reasons and then examine one reason you might not have considered. My hope is … Read more