FAQ


Meta data manipulation
SQL server performance
Management
Security
Miscellanies

 

Meta data manipulation.

Q: How can I create tables, indexes or triggers?

A: SQLExecMS does not have any wizards. So the only way to create any objects is just using Query window and type  DDL statement into it.
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Q: How can I find object by it's ID?

A: Connect to your database, open Objects properties window. Type ID into Find edit box and use Search by ID item from drop down menu of Find button.
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Q: Sometimes I get and an error "Cannot find object's DDL".

A: It can happen with triggers and indexes. For performance sake, SQLExecMS does not load them when it builds the  tree of database objects right after you connected to a server. They will be load on demand, if you try to expand triggers or indexes group in that tree.
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Q: I want to create a local copy of an assembly on my local drive, how can I do it? (SQL 2005 only)

A: Select desired assembly in "Database Objects" and choose  "Object's properties" from context menu. In appeared dialog select a file and click "Import file" button.
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SQL Server performance

Q: Why Space utilization window shows negative numbers for some tables in "Unused" column?

A: SQLExecMS relies on information in sysindexes table . There are some situations when the sysindexes information for the table may not be current. Use "Update space usage..." button to correct this inaccuracy.
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Q: How to check selectivity of the index?

A: Open Indexes window, Select desired index, Use "Show statistic for selected index" button. If an index is marked with an exclamation sight, that means that the density of the index is low. The bottom panel will show selectivity of a set of index column prefixes.
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Management

Q: I need to run sqlmaint utility as part of my job but not maintenance plan, how can I configure the parameters?

A: Open Maintenance plans window and press New Plan button. In appeared New Plan window create new job and select all actions you want sqlmaint to perform. When you finished with configuration, copy the a text from Step text edit box, here you'll find all parameters for running sqlmaint, with one exception: you will need to substitute PlanID parameter by the -S, -U, -P, D switches, which will tell sqlmaint how to connect to the server. Check BOL for details.
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Security

Q: I moved my database on another SQL server by detaching/attaching it, and some DB users became not usable. How can I fix it?

A:  You need to link users in your database with existing logins on target server. To do so connect to your database, open Security window, go to Users tab, select problem user and pick Map user item from context menu. Select on of the logins in appeared dialog and press Ok.
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Q: I want to create new user in a database with exactly the same permissions as existing one, how can I do it?

A:  Open "Users" window, go to "Users" tab. Select  "Add.."  item from context menu. In appeared dialog fill out all the fields as for new user, check "Create a copy of Existing User" and select a user from drop down list, which copy you want to create.
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Q: I want to move an object from schema to another, how can I do it? (SQL 2005 only)

A:  Open "Users" window, go to "Schemas" tab. Select source schema, find object in the right panel and drag and drop it to the target schema

 

 

 

 

Miscellanies

Q: DataView window does not sort the data the way I want or shows error "tblMain: Field 'XXXXXX desc' not found".

A: There are two ways to sort the data in that window.
1. Simply click on a column header which you want to sort by. You can have more that one column sorted by.
2. Type into "Order By" column name as <FieldName>[DESC|ACS]. For example: CompanyName DESC,ContactName ASC. Please be aware - DESC and ASC modifiers must be in uppercase. ASC is default modifier. Field names must be separated by commas. Sort the table by clicking "Apply ordering" button after entering the field names.
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Q: Why I cannot see the result of PRINT and some DBCC commands?

A: SQLExecMS does not support PRINT command. Since some DBCC commands use the same technique as PRINT,  they are not supported also.
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Q: How can I export output of my SELECT statement into XLS file from Query window?

A: Select all rows returned by your query (or any range of them) and use 'Save selection as ...' item from popup menu of the grid. Pick the format by selecting proper extension for a file.
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Q: We use pretty long names for our SQL Servers and it is annoying to type them every time when I need to connect.  Is there easier way?

A: SQLExecMS supports aliases for that purpose. Once connected to the server simply click on "Add to alias list" button in Connect window, give your alias name and later you can connect to your server by selecting that alias form a list. Another way is to use "Get available SQL Servers" button on the same window.
Last option requires DMO installed on your computer.