By: Tibor Nagy
Overview
SQL Server databases require regular maintenance and this can be a time consuming process. MS SQL Server has a built-in tool which makes it easier to create and execute maintenance tasks. This tool is known as the Maintenance Plan Wizard.
Explanation
The Maintenance Plan Wizard can be started from SQL Server Management Studio and can be found in the Management section of the tree in SSMS. It creates scheduled jobs which are run by the SQL Server Agent and can perform the following tasks:
- Reorganize index pages
- Rebuild indexes
- Update statistics on the indexes
- Shrink data and log files by removing empty pages
- Backup database and transaction log
- Perform internal consistency checks
- Cleanup tasks
Additional Information
- Performing maintenance tasks in SQL Server article on MSSQLTips
- Maintenance Tips category on MSSQLTips
Last Update: 5/27/2011
