by Jonathan Kehayias and Ted Krueger
Three SQL Server MVPs provide fascinating insight into the most common SQL Server problems, why they occur, and how they can be diagnosed using tools such as Performance Monitor, Dynamic Management Views and server-side tracing. The focus is on practical solutions for removing root causes of these problems, rather than "papering over the cracks".
We spend much of our working life helping solve SQL Server-related performance problems, hands-on, during consulting, or on online forums. We’ve seen a few weird-and-wonderful issues but, mainly, it’s the same problems and misconceptions time-and-again. This is our attempt to describe, diagnose, and solve the most common problems with SQL Server 2005, 2008, and 2008 R2.
First, we explain a basic approach to troubleshooting, the essential tools, and how rare it is that a problem can be diagnosed by looking at a single data point. The art of troubleshooting SQL Server is the art of first gathering various pieces of information and then assembling the "puzzle" to reveal a complete picture of what is going on inside a server, and so the root of the problem. Next, we explore the areas in which problems arise with alarming regularity:
In each case, the book describes the most common problems, why they occur, and how they can be diagnosed using tools such as the Performance Monitor, Dynamic Management Views, server-side tracing, and more. Finally, it provides practical solutions for removing root causes, rather than "papering over the cracks".
The steps and techniques described are ones we use day-to-day to troubleshoot real SQL Server performance problems. With them, we hope you can solve performance problems quickly and accurately, and tame your unruly SQL Servers.
This eBook is now fully accessible for use with screen readers and assistive plug-ins for those with visual impairment.