Tracking All the Queries

Database Animations: The Difference Between Row Compression and Page Compression

What's the difference between SQL Server's row compression and page compression, and when does each one make sense?

How a SQL Server backup can execute attacker code during restore

CVE-2026-47295 is a SQL Server vulnerability that lets a maliciously crafted database backup execute attacker-controlled code with sysadmin privileges during a routine RESTORE DATABASE operation.

Transaction Log Truncation

Never is Not the Policy

Are there things you should never change or configure? Steve notes that is probably not the best policy.

Rebuilding All Indexes

How SQL Server maintenance becomes an attack path – and what to do about it

The article covers four connected areas: over-privileged database users, msdb and SQL Server Agent exposure, privileged maintenance jobs, and trigger-based permission hijacking.

Backing Up a DMK

A Limited Startup

Why SQL Server Database Attach fails and how to repair it

This article covers a few common errors when attaching database files to an instance, with some information on how to resolve the issues.