Library KB articles

SQL Server Articles

In-depth KB articles: step-by-step guidance and write-ups for real-world SQL Server problems.

Disaster Recovery 1

Backups, restores, and recovering when things go wrong.

Recovering Backup-Encryption CertificatesHow to restore SQL Server backup-encryption certificates from .cer/.key files and a password via admindb's restore_server_certificate, then back up the cert, clean up files, and restore encrypted backups.Released 2024-10-25

Encryption 2

TLS, certificates, best-practices, and drivers.

Code Optimization 1

Optimizing SQL code for better security and cost.

Enabling SQL Server Trace-Flags without a Service RestartEnable SQL Server trace flags without an immediate restart: add -T startup parameters in Configuration Manager so they persist, then run DBCC TRACEON(xxxx, -1) to apply them globally right now.Released 2026-10-20

Capacity Planning 1

Understanding Percent of Percent-Load ReportsExplains percent of percent-load reports (time spent in each load bucket) for SQL Server CPU, IO (IOPs, throughput, latency), and memory (PLE, grants) to aid capacity planning and license right-sizing.Released 2025-11-10

Consulting

Initial consultations are always free.

Bring your toughest SQL Server problem — performance, backups and restore-testing, auditing, encryption — and get an independent, experienced second set of eyes.

Book a free consultation