The document outlines best practices for managing an inherited SQL Server, emphasizing the importance of careful assessment rather than immediate changes. Key steps include taking thorough notes, communicating with previous administrators, and locating existing documentation. It advises on gathering information about server jobs and potential contacts for support while avoiding critical remarks about the previous setup.

1. How to Deal
With an
Inherited
SQL Server
March 11. 2015

2. Meet Andy Warren
• Microsoft MVP
• Served on the PASS Board
• Founding partner in
SQLServerCentral.com
• Blogs at https://sqlandy.com

3. It’s All Yours Now
• Might be from a merger/acquisition
• A “departmental” server

4. Take Notes, Triage, Do No Harm
• Taking notes might seem obvious, but imperative!
• There’s a tendency to just jump in and start “fixing”
stuff. Build the list, talk to the boss
• It’s amazingly easy to break something by trying to
make something “better”

5. Warm Hand Off
• Meet the people that used to manage it
• Don’t be critical of the setup
• Get as much info as you can during the planning
and transfer, but assume you’ll have some follow up
questions

6. Find The Documentation
• There is never enough, but some
• Data Dictionary/Diagrams
• Jobs
• What do they do
• Who do you email when they fail

7. Did you miss the live webinar? You
can view the entire Geek Sync on
idera.com
Watch the On Demand Webinar