Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies®

VII.2.5. Viewing Graphical Performance Information with SQL Server Profiler

If you could predict the exact date, time, and type of performance problems in advance, chances are you could solve them before anyone is the wiser. Unfortunately, these issues rarely give much notice when they arise. This is where the SQL Server Profiler comes in — it enables you to collect all sorts of performance-related (and other) administrative information that you can then view to identify trouble spots. This makes it much easier to enhance your SQL Server throughput.

Figure VII.2-11. Results from applying Database Engine Tuning Advisor recommendations.

VII.2.5.1. Gathering trace information

In this section, we show you how to launch this important tool, as well as gather and analyze performance metrics. Here's how to get the ball rolling:

1. Launch the SQL Server Management Studio.

2. Choose ToolsSQL Server.

   You can also launch this utility from the Windows SQL Server performance tools submenu. Regardless of how you launch this tool, a New Connection dialog box appears.

3. Choose the server you want to profile, your authentication method, and then click Connect.

   The Trace Properties dialog box appears, where you set all the parameters necessary to conduct your trace. Figure 2-12 shows the initial Trace Properties ...