Paper Published & Posted: Poor Disk Performance, Time Outs, Database and the SQL Server Errorlog

Sorry for the delay of a few days. Was caught up in an escalation and the paper went longer than I thought it would—21 pages with references and end notes. Please review this draft and feel free to comment on it. The graphics need to be cleaned up some, etc…

Please find the paper posted on: www.computationpress.com

Best Regards,

Frank

Poor Disk Performance, Time Outs, Database and the Errorlog: SQL Server has encountered % occurrence(s) of IO requests taking longer than 15 seconds to complete on file

The SQL Server errorlog provides a wealth of information and is often overlooked, even though it should be the first place we all turn to. The problem though is that most people look at the errorlog only after a problem has occurred instead of proactively looking at it as part of the daily list of tasks.

I've written a TechNote on a common error that affects the disk subsystem and the database and shows up in the errorlog as:

SQL Server has encountered 4507 occurrence(s) of IO requests taking longer than 15 seconds to complete on file [D:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Data\BIGDB_Data.MDF] in database [BIGDB] (7)

While many people have blogged on WHAT this issue is and WHAT to look at. Microsoft has published KB Article 897284 on the topic—which gives a good DESCRIPTION. I want to explore more of the areas around WHY it happens and suggest some actual suggestions on HOW to fix it.

Please visit the Computation Press website on December 26, 2007 and I'll have the note posted.

www.computationpress.com

After a long absence, I'm going to kick start this blog again. Over the last year, I've been refining more performance techniques and thoughts as I've been working. More scripts and tools. In addition to the blog, I'll also start creating and posting videos to accompany the postings.

Look for a new posting in the next week.

Best-
Frank