SQL Server 2016 – the Final Countdown: Assessing Your SQL Server 2016 Estate
July 8, 2026
This post is part of a series we are calling “SQL Server 2016 – The Final Countdown.” If you are reading this and you still have SQL Server 2016 instances kicking around, let this be yet another post reminding you that extended support for that version ends on July 14, 2026. If this is news to
SQL Server Case of the Week: Why the master database can have a lower compatibility level than the instance
June 26, 2026
Quick summary If you have ever done an in-place upgrade of SQL Server, the master database probably has a lower compatibility level than the other system databases. Context We were attempting to install a troubleshooting stored procedure in the master database of a SQL Server 2016 instance when we received the following error. Msg 195,
SQL Server 2016 – the Final Countdown: SQL Server 2016 Is Becoming a Serious Security Risk
June 24, 2026
This post is part of a series we are calling “SQL Server 2016 – The Final Countdown.” For many companies SQL Server 2016 is a reliable database management system. It has worked well for several years and let’s be honest; it isn’t broken, so why fix it? We all have several high-priority tasks; everything from
RC4 Is Going Away in July 2026: What CVE-2026-20833 Means for Your SQL Server and Windows Environment
June 23, 2026
In July 2026 Microsoft is making a change that may impact your environment. The change being implemented will make your environment more secure by no longer accepting the RC4 algorithm for the Kerberos protocol by default. The problem though is it could cause authentication failures, services to not start, and Kerberos to stop working. Microsoft
SQL Server 2016 – the Final Countdown: Key Features from SQL Server versions 2017–2025
June 17, 2026
This post is part of a series we are calling “SQL Server 2016 – The Final Countdown.” SQL Server 2016 was the version where Microsoft really started giving us the good stuff for free. Query Store, Columnstore for everyone, Always Encrypted, Availability Groups that worked, and more. Plus, the Service Pack 1 feature additions made
SQL Server 2016 – the Final Countdown: Features Deprecated and Discontinued Since SQL Server 2016
June 10, 2026
This post is part of a series we are calling “SQL Server 2016 – The Final Countdown.” If you’re planning on upgrading from SQL Server 2016 to the current version of SQL Server 2025, it would be helpful to note some of the features from versions since 2016 that are no longer supported. By that
Ask Us Anything Webinar (March 2023)
March 7, 2023
This month’s webinar is an opportunity to ask us anything related to SQL Server. Our team will hold a panel-style webinar to answer your questions (click here to submit a question before the webinar). Mar 22, 2023 01:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada) Click here to register:
SQL Server Upgrade/Migration Webinar
December 9, 2022
This month’s webinar ws all about SQL Server upgrades and migration. We covered the following topics: This topic is part of our monthly SQL Server webinar series. Webinar registrants get access to the entire recording, which includes the office hours Q&A. Check out the videos from the webinar series: Introduction Why Upgrade? In-place SQL Server
Data Migration Assistant
November 28, 2022
It’s upgrade season. Here at Straight Path, we have more than a couple of clients in the process of upgrading their SQL Environments to a more modern version. With the support door slamming shut soon for SQL 2008 (waaaay overdue), and others on 2012 (really not in a much better position – support wise) clients
SQL Server Health Check Worst Offenders
November 1, 2022
After performing hundreds of SQL Server Health Checks over the years, we wanted to share the most common repeat offenders we find time and again. These are: This topic is part of our monthly SQL Server webinar series. Webinar registrants get access to the entire recording, which includes the office hours Q&A. If you would