Error when trying to use Database Engine Tuning Advisor

Recently, I received an email from a user saying that on one of their SQL Servers, a developer was trying to use Database Engine Tuning Advisor (DTA) and the user was unable to use the tool, as there was an error message being displayed. After few emails back and forth on finding what exactly was the issue/error, I tried to simulate on my local machine and found out the remedy. 

Solution

This cannot be referred as a problem as such, but it needs to addressed before DTA is used. Database Engine Tuning Advisor should be initially connected (and/or used) by a user who is part of sysadmin server role. Once a user (who is a sysadmin) has successfully connected to the SQL instance through DTA, it gets initialized and as part of the initialization, there are a series of tables that are created in MSDB to store data related to further usage of the DTA tool. 

From  then on, users who have db_owner access to a certain database can run workloads against that database and get recommendations to tune their queries/workloads..

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— Bru Medishetty

Planning to take a Microsoft Certification Exam?

For those who are new to Microsoft Certifications or who have not taken a certification exam in the recent times, there are some changes in the exam format. I was looking for information on SQL Server 2012 certifications, I found 2 short videos that helps the would be exam candidate to know about the different format of questions they could see in the certification exam. I thought I would share those links in this blog. Check them out…

Microsoft Certification Exam Demo

Microsoft Certification: Microsoft Certification Exam Demo

 

New Innovative Item Types

Microsoft Certification Exam Demo: New Innovative Item Types

All the best for your exam and the preparation..

– Bru Medishetty

Why Learn SQL?

If you have not yet encountered SQL (structured Query Language), then you may not be aware of the advantages which can be had from learning this particular programming language for yourself. However, there are plenty of reasons why more and more people are choosing to learn how to use SQL for themselves. Here are just a few points to consider… 

Firstly, you should be aware that, over the years, SQL has become one of the most important and widely used programming languages around. You are more than likely to have accessed sites which use SQL without even realizing it. More importantly, if you are looking to create your own site, it is almost certainly something which you will want to have a good grasp of. Whether you are looking to put together a company site similar to o2.co.uk, understanding SQL can almost always be of an advantage. The better your knowledge and understanding of this programming language, the more comprehensive your site is likely to be. This can also enhance the user experience, and even increase the number of hits that you receive. 

For those who are looking to develop a career in programming, mastering a language like SQL can prove to be extremely valuable. Learning this language independently can be time-consuming and may require much determination, but it is certainly something which can make you a more attractive employment prospect to future employers. Using the step by step tutorials on this site, you can learn SQL at your own pace, and in your own home. This is a valuable skill to have on any programmers resume, whatever level they currently happen to be working at. SQL is a language which feeds into a range of other database languages, and so it is also something which can be hugely beneficial in being able to enhance your existing programming knowledge. 
 
— Bru Medishetty